Electrocution: Glendale residents are stunned by expected huge hikes in electric rates

GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) — The cost of electricity in the city of Glendale could soon rise – many times over.

“Oh, I don’t like that at all,” said Arlene Grace of Glendale.

Glendale Water and Power says it needs to increase rates on long-term projects. More solar energy, a biofuel plant on the existing Scholl landfill and a modernization of the power grid are planned.

Mark Young, general manager of GWP, said: “We are preparing for two things. Vehicle electrification and building electrification will place significant strain on our distribution system, as will the installation of solar rooftops on rooftops throughout the city.”

Young explained this to the City Council last month. Currently, proposed rate hikes would average about 14.8% in December – then 11.3% on July 1 next year and another 11.3% on July 1, 2025.

Council members were stunned when they heard the magnitude of these increases.

“Residents will go crazy when you do your final analysis and put in housing charges. They’re going to go crazy,” said Councilmember Ara Najarian.

“I’ll probably see a 20% tax increase. This report devastated me. “I was shocked by this report,” said Councilwoman Paula Devine.

We looked at the numbers and found that Glendale already has some of the highest electric rates among public utilities in our region.

Frank Tucker, who lives in Glendale, said he is on a fixed income.

“I know interest rates are going to go up, but that’s a lot of money – 14% is a lot. Social Security only gives you about a 3 1/2% raise per year,” Tucker says.

“Everything is rising. What about our salary? We’re not getting a raise anyway,” says Grace.

GWP is expected to present the full tariff proposal to the city council in November. If approved, it would come into force on December 1st.