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-Editorial
Alice and Jesus Quesada arrived early to the Imperial Irrigation District’s (IID) inaugural community open house on April 1, eager to understand more about the utility provider’s inner workings—and, more pressingly, the looming electricity rate hikes affecting families like theirs.
As longtime residents of El Centro, the Quesadas were motivated to attend after receiving multiple postcard invitations in the mail.
“They sent so many postcards that it got my attention,” said Alice Quesada. “We wanted to come and see what this was all about, to learn more about what IID is doing.”
They joined dozens of community members at the William R. Condit Auditorium, the first stop in IID’s newly launched series of open houses aimed at boosting transparency, improving public communication, and addressing mounting concerns around energy costs and infrastructure.
The Quesadas, like many attendees, were particularly worried about rising electricity rates, which have significantly impacted local households. The couple shared that their highest utility bill last year approached $600.
“We do need a couple of new air conditioners,” Alice admitted, “but the rate hikes are what really concern us. How much more is it going to go up?”
IID officials say these concerns are valid. The district faces over $1.3 billion in necessary upgrades and development projects to maintain energy independence and service reliability throughout the region. Among these are investments in new power plants, energy storage, and aging infrastructure replacement.
El Centro resident Mary Helen McCombs praised IID’s efforts to communicate the scope of the challenge.
“We don’t want to have to worry about blackouts and brownouts,” McCombs said. “IID has done a great job explaining what their intentions are and what needs to be done. It was actually an excellent event. The IID staff was outstanding—very open to discussion.”
IID General Manager Jaime Asbury said the strong community turnout validated the district’s efforts to create more open dialogue with the public.
“That’s exactly what we wanted,” said Asbury. “There have been concerns about a lack of transparency, and that’s what this is for. Come talk to our staff, look at the upgrades to the system, ask about our public programs and billing changes—whatever questions you have. We’re a public agency, and we take that charge seriously.”
Asbury credited IID’s newly formed Public Affairs Department for helping drive this initiative and committed to keeping the public regularly informed about upcoming changes, including new infrastructure projects, rate structure adjustments, and summer power forecasts.
“We’re really excited about the public getting to see what it is we do all day,” she said. “It’s a very challenging task—but we’re committed.”
Asbury also pointed out that the open house format was deliberately chosen for its interactive, informal nature.
“We took concerns about transparency seriously,” she said. “This is a much better forum because it’s not as formal, and we’re not just standing up there preaching. People can ask questions, look at exhibits, and understand the costs behind the projects. It’s certainly a worthwhile initiative.”
IID Division 4 Director Lewis Pacheco also emphasized the importance of reaching people directly and making sure residents are aware of programs designed to help ease their financial burdens.
“Well, it’s a start,” Pacheco said. “We’re going to be in every community in the Valley. We need to give out information with the new IID. We want people to understand that there are programs for them—rebates for their air conditioners, dishwashers, and ways to get into discount programs. Some offer 20% or 30% off, depending on your income.”
The series of open houses runs throughout April and aims to provide residents in all IID-served communities a chance to engage with staff, ask questions, and learn about services, billing options, and available assistance.
Upcoming sessions include:
- April 2: Lions Center, Brawley
- April 3: Seeley Elementary School Gym
- April 4: Mecca Family & Farmworker’s Service Center
- April 7: Calexico Woman’s Improvement Club
- April 8: Indio Senior Center
- April 9: Imperial Veteran’s Memorial Hall
- April 10: El Centro Community Center
- April 15: La Quinta Board Room
- April 16: Holtville Civic Center
- April 21: Calipatria Community Center
- April 22: City of Coachella Library
- April 24: Westmorland Youth Hall Center
- April 28: Niland Chamber of Commerce
- April 29: Teresa Estrada Community Center, Heber
As IID continues this regional outreach, community feedback will play a key role in shaping the district’s next steps. For residents like the Quesadas, the hope is that these events not only provide answers—but also empower them to better navigate the energy challenges ahead.