Pasadena Water and Power will propose water rate increases during a public hearing at the June 8 Pasadena City Council meeting.
To help customers understand the rationale for and potential impact of the proposed increases, PWP will host a series of public meetings this month: Thursday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m., La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave. Tuesday, May 26, at 6:30 p.m., Jackie Robinson Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. (Spanish interpretation will be available)
Attendees are encouraged to bring their most recent City of Pasadena water bills.
While for many years water service revenues have remained relatively flat, regular operational and maintenance costs have increased.
PWP has had to borrow from reserve funds to continue its normal standard of operation.
To correct this cost-revenue imbalance and ensure continued reliable service, PWP proposes two separate increases to the fixed rate charges on water bills.
If approved by the council, most residential customers would see a monthly increase of $4.15 for 5/8 and 3/4 inch meters and $7.89 for 1 inch meters effective July 1, 2009; an additional increase of $3.82 for 5/8 and 3/4 inch meters and $7.27 for 1 inch meters would take effect July 1, 2010. Each customer's meter size in indicated on the water bill. Residential customers are billed every other month.
In addition to these increases, PWP proposes to restructure the blocks, also known as tiers, that determine which water rate customers should pay. In a block/tiered rate structure, customers who use more water pay higher rates. Therefore water conservation is encouraged in a manner that minimizes the impact on customers who are already practicing conservation efforts.
For more information visit www.cityofpasadena.net/savewater or call (626) 744-6970.
