September 3, 2017
We tenants of Woodland Hills know that it is both the hottest and coldest part of L.A. County (and potentially all-of-Southern California). DWP loves us in the Summer and The Gas Co. loves us in the Winter.
A little while ago, DWP sent us a survey inquiring as to whether we were satisfied with our service and the charges for that service. This, however, was before DWP\’s newest \”tier\” payment program took effect.
So I was mildly surprised when our electric bill was higher than it had ever been — particularly when we were away for much of the Summer — and left the thermostat set at 84 degrees.
Neighbor Andre, who sets his thermostat at about 76 degrees, was reeling from his bill. Step-son Cina, who was also away for much of the Summer (and lives right down the road from us) didn\’t leave his air on and still received a sizeable bill.
Thus it came as no surprise that a group of Woodland Hills residents (who hadn\’t educated themselves to the new tiers DWP instituted and must have figured the drought was over) — saw some massive DWP bills earlier last month — in some cases, triple the amount they normally paid. One guy with solar panels — who was accustomed to paying $25-a-month electric bill — ended up with a $600+ electric bill.
These folks challenged DWP — to no avail — as DWP\’s tier program was approved by our city council.
I can\’t mention all-the-names of the Woodland Hills City Council (because there are so many of them [if I get the chance I\’d like to an expose on each of them]) but Neighbor Andre says they are the best money can buy)!
But let me quickly explain this tier system for readers who don\’t know what I\’m talking about and how it makes the big bucks for DWP.
Formerly we had 3 tiers that delineated electricity and water usage — now we have 4 (or is it 5?). If you stayed in Tier 1 you paid the lowest rate for energy usage. If you drifted into Tier 2, you had to pay a higher rate; and, if you managed to get into Tier 3, you paid your highest rate.
DWP lost alotta water $$$$$$ during the drought — as we Southern Californians did a good job conserving.
To make their money back, DWP moved Tier 2 well into Tier 1 so that one would begin paying a higher usage rate much earlier than before. And naturally Tier 3 was pushed back into what was formerly the Tier 2 range; and well, you get the picture.
DWP staged this robbery in broad daylight — in front of representative Bob Blumenfield and the city council…and the victims can\’t prove they were robbed.
The city council looks to be a fairly large group, a group large enough that it would be as difficult to line individual pockets as it would be to line all-of-them. Perhaps DWP has a special relationship with-some-of-them? I can\’t say. But for us Woodland Hills folk who border on the middle and upper middle classes I ask: Why are you hammering the middle class again?
When we\’re gone…when we\’ve been sucked dry — who will you put your fangs into? Utility bills have become larger than mortgages for many…
How \”free\” are those free concerts in the park?