Mayor of Los Angeles Suggests Rate Increases to Support Renewable Energy Citywide-

Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa, plans to increase energy utility fees to help fund renewable energy sources for the city. A survey released by the mayor asked Department of Water and Power consumers if they would be willing to pay a monthly surcharge of $2.50 to assist the city in terminating its dependence on coal-fired power plants – with 64 percent stating they would comply with the rate hike. Nevertheless, Deputy Mayor Sean Clegg disclosed that the mayor has not yet come to decide on a specific amount for the rate increase. Villaraigosa plans for the DWP to obtain 20 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal and wind energy by the end of 2010. City Councilwoman Jan Perry maintains that the supplementary fees will be difficult to validate to most DWP patrons, especially as the unstable economy and lack of jobs continue to strain countless Los Angeles residents.