Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities Energy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts phased electric-rate increases for Glendale Water & Power; tense debate and assurances on bonds and projects
Summary
After extended debate, the Glendale City Council adopted an ordinance adjusting GWP electric rates with phased increases in 2025–2027. Supporters said failure to act would jeopardize bond covenants and ongoing power projects; opponents warned of impacts on residents and sought additional cost-savings analysis.
The Glendale City Council adopted an ordinance amending electric rates for Glendale Water & Power (GWP), implementing a series of rate adjustments with effective dates in November 2025, 2026 and 2027 after heated discussion over affordability and utility finances.
What the council approved City staff presented an ordinance (amending Ordinance No. 6025) that redistributes and phases an overall increase originally proposed in the utility’s 2023 rate structure. Staff described the recommended schedule as a 5% increase effective Nov. 1, 2025, followed by 2.95% increases on Nov. 1, 2026 and Nov. 1, 2027 (presented as an alternative to an 11.3% system-average increase that would otherwise take effect). The ordinance had been introduced at the Sept. 30 meeting and required adoption to modify the previously scheduled increase.
Council debate and voting rationale Council discussion was substantive and extended. Opponents and concerned residents emphasized the impact of higher rates on low-income neighborhoods and asked whether GWP transfers to the general fund and bond authorizations had contributed to pressure on rates. Several residents and business owners spoke about steep recent bills and asked for greater transparency on transfers, bond costs and program priorities.
Supporters, including GWP staff, said that rejecting the ordinance would trigger implementation of the larger 11.3% increase and that failing to adopt a revised plan would risk violating bond covenants and impede completion of critical utility projects — including system upgrades and renewable/solar phases. Staff explained that certain bond covenants and ongoing capital work (Grayson replacement, Shoal Canyon conversion work and solar projects) depend on the adopted revenue plan.
The council vote After discussion and a motion to adopt the ordinance, roll call recorded the ordinance’s adoption by a majority vote. The roll call recorded Council member Asadrian, Council member Brotman and Mayor Pro Tem Kasakian voting in favor; Council member Garpetian voted no; Mayor Najarian voted in favor. The ordinance therefore passed.
Follow-up direction Council members asked staff to return with additional briefings and potential cost-savings options and to provide more detailed information on the financial transfers between GWP and the general fund. Several members asked for a future agenda item to explore areas of operating savings and timing options to soften rate impacts on residents.
Why this matters The action affects every Glendale electric customer by changing the schedule of rate increases. Staff warned that not approving the ordinance would lead to a larger immediate system-wide increase and could jeopardize covenants tied to bonds that fund power-plant replacement and grid improvements. Residents pressed for clearer accounting and for staff to identify possible near-term cost savings.
