The Office of Public Accountability (OPA) is a City department established by voter approved Charter Amendment I (adopted March 8, 2011) in order to shed greater light on the DWP’s operations and finances and to serve as an independent watchdog, charged with analyzing proposed increases in water and power rates on a timely and continuous basis. A citizen selection committee was formed to interview and select the OPA Executive Director. In February 2012, Frederick Pickel was selected and appointed Executive Director/Ratepayer Advocate (RPA).