Krekorian, Fuentes to Chair Hearing on DWP Contract Proposal

Important meeting is planned for Friday

Councilmembers Paul Krekorian and Felipe Fuentes, chairmen of the committees on Budget & Finance and Energy & Environment, respectively, are set to hold a joint, public hearing of their panels Friday, August 16 at 10 a.m. in City Hall. During the hearing, the committee will consider a proposed agreement between the city through the Department of Water and Power and its union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. 

The proposal, which can be read here, is designed to save taxpayers $7.9 billion over the next 30 years and $415 million during the four-year term of the proposed agreement by delaying raises, restructuring pension obligations and increasing healthcare contributions of union members.

“It’s important to consider this proposed contract in the light of day,” Councilmember Paul Krekorian said. “Our hearing will allow the Council and the public to fully analyze the proposal and its impacts and to weigh all alternatives. Friday’s hearing is an important opportunity for a frank and open discussion, based on facts, about the best way to achieve cost savings for ratepayers and implement overdue reforms at the DWP.”

“By holding this hearing we will have a rare opportunity to fully vet and discuss the current DWP proposal with the utmost transparency,” Councilmember Felipe Fuentes said. “I am eager to hear how this current proposal will impact water and power rates and overall system reliability.  I urge all commercial and residential stakeholders to participate in this hearing and make their voices heard.”

For those unable to attend, the meeting will be televised live on www.lacityview.org and updates will be posted to twitter.com/cd2news(@CD2news).  

Who: Councilmember Paul Krekorian, Councilmember Felipe Fuentes and the members of the Budget & Finance and Energy & Environment committees. The Budget & Finance Committee, chaired by Councilmember Krekorian, includes Councilmembers Mitch Englander, Paul Koretz, Bob Blumenfield and Mike Bonin. The Energy & Environment Committee, chaired by Councilmember Fuentes, includes Councilmembers Blumenfield, Tom LaBonge, Jose Huizar and Koretz; DWP officials and other stakeholders are also expected to attend and offer testimony.

What: Joint hearing to consider a contract proposal estimated to save the city $7.9 billion over 30 years.

Where: John Ferraro Council Chambers of Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Room 340, 90012

When: Friday, August 16 at 10 a.m. in place of the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.