The general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has proposed rate increases to pay for the replacement of aging equipment, conservation programs, and for the training of field workers replacing retirees.

Ron Deaton called for 3 percent hikes in water charges next summer as well as the following July, saying it would add about $2 in overall monthly charges to all customers bills.

Deaton also suggested that power costs be raised 3 percent three times between January 2008 and July 2009, which would add about $5.25 to monthly bills. The same percentage increases would apply to commercial users as well, he said.

He also said that power rates would be restructured to encourage conservation, with those who use the most power paying higher rates.

The DWP said it would take the next four months to hold public meetings on the proposed increases before the L.A. City Council votes on the proposal in October.