CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The Clearlake City Council this week will discuss a potential rate increase by Golden State Water Co. that could see rates climb by nearly 41% over a three-year period.
The council will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
The meeting will be broadcast live on the city's YouTube channel or the Lake County PEGTV YouTube Channel.
Community members also can participate via Zoom or can attend in person.
The meeting also can be accessed via One tap mobile at 16694449171,,88099663205# or by dialing 1 669 444 9171.
The agenda can be found here.
Comments and questions can be submitted in writing for City Council consideration by sending them to City Clerk Melissa Swanson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To give the council adequate time to review your questions and comments, please submit your written comments before 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2.
On the agenda is a planned discussion on Golden State Water Co.’s general rate case application to the California Public Utilities. Utilities regulated by the CPUC must file such cases every three years.
City Manager Alan Flora’s report to the council explained that Golden State filed the proceeding on Aug. 14.
It seeks authorization to increase rates overall by 22.95% or $87,060,700) in 2025, 4.42% or $20,699,200 in 2026 and 4.57% or $22,408,200 in 2027.
“Within the Clearlake area two options are proposed. The first is for a consolidation of the Arden Cordova and Clearlake districts for ratemaking purposes. Under this scenario, the Clearlake rates would be frozen for a transition period and then a single combined set of rates would
be established,” Flora said in his written report.
The report continued, “If this request is not approved by the CPUC, the rates in Clearlake would be increased by a total of 40.72% over the three year period, or 22.66% (or $649,800) in 2025, 8.91% (or $316,800) in 2026 and 9.17% (or $357,000) in 2027. Each amount is an increase over the prior year’s rate, which would result in over a 40% increase from today’s rates. The request follows a +30% increase authorized in 2020.”
Flora said the city can provide public comment, and/or become a party to the proceeding. “This would include filing a motion to become a party to the proceeding.”
In other business, the council will consider adopting an employee home loan assistance program.
On the meeting's consent agenda — items that are considered routine in nature and usually adopted on a single vote — are warrants and City Council minutes; Resolution 2023-45 approving a temporary street closure for the annual Christmas Parade and tree lighting on Dec. 2; adoption of the second amendment to the agreement between the city of Clearlake, city of Lakeport and county of Lake for operation of a local public, educational, governmental, or PEG, cable television channel; and a memo regarding holiday closures of City Hall administration office.
The council also will hold a closed session discussion regarding the liability claim of Alan Mangels against the city.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Clearlake City Council to discuss Golden State Water rate increase proposal
- Elizabeth Larson
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