lgriffo@tahoedailytribune.com
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. As a way to combat wildfire risk, Liberty Utilities has proposed a significant rate increase, but the proposal has created a wildfire of sorts within the community.
Liberty customers recently received a notice in the mail informing them of possible rate increases of about 41%, or $48, in the winter and 42%, or $37, for the summer.
The driving factor of this proposed increase is wildfire.
Dan Marsh, manager, rates and regulatory affairs for Liberty Utilities (California), said the money would be used to harden their systems to reduce wildfire risk, increase vegetation management and cover the cost of wildfire insurance which has increased 10-fold.