L.A. council votes to increase DWP rates 4.5%

The L.A. Times reports:

A deeply divided Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday backed increases in electric rates, acknowledging they will be painful for customers but insisting the hikes are needed to maintain the Department of Water and Power's financial health.

The council's decision capped months of debate and political maneuvering -- as well as outcry from both L.A. residents and business owners who say they already pay enough for electricity.

The compassionate, Democratic party city of Los Angeles wants you to dig deeper.