How LADWP's rates compare to other utilities in Southern California
CBS California Investigates took a closer look at how rates compare to other utilities in the region, and at the high salaries of dozens of executives.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is facing controversy over steep rate hikes for customers, with some customers seeing increases in the thousands of dollars. In response, the LADWP Board of Commissioners has passed a resolution requesting a review of the utility's rates, structures, and application to individual customers.
The review is intended to improve transparency, modernize rate structures, and reward customers based on usage and technology adoption. However, critics argue that the high salaries of LADWP executives and supervisors should also be scrutinized. According to CBS California Investigates, eight supervisors and one executive at LADWP earn more than $700,000 annually, with over two dozen supervisors making over $600,000 per year.
While LADWP claims these salaries are needed to attract and retain skilled workers, advocates believe the high executive compensation should be part of the review process. LADWP states that overtime compensation accounts for 5% of its $10.8 billion budget and that the utility's compensation structure is designed to attract and retain specialized workers.
In comparison to other utilities in Southern California, LADWP's rates have surged by 45% in the last year, outpacing inflation.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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