Los Angeles City Council moves to gain more control of Department of Water and Power functions

Council President Eric Garcetti, backed by several other members, called for two City Charter amendments requiring DWP to release its budget earlier and to create a position to represent ratepayers' interests.

"I don't want us in the dark like we were this year," Garcetti said after the council voted 14-0 to take the initial steps toward placing the measures on the March ballot.

DWP officials declined to comment Tuesday on the council's actions.

Earlier this year, the council and DWP engaged in an extended battle over the utility's effort to sharply raise rates over a 12-month period.

The fight erupted after the City Council had already approved the city budget, which relied on a $73 million transfer from DWP. The utility then released its own spending plan, but threatened to withhold transfer unless the council approved the rate hike.