Relief may be coming for Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) customers: following an uproar from people who said their bills became astronomical after summer heat waves, the LADWP Board of Commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday to help people struggling with high utility charges.
The resolution calls on the utility to prevent shutoffs through 2026, even for customers with overdue bills. The board also urges LADWP to update the public on its electric rates while giving customers regular data about their water and power usage.
Under the resolution, the public utility is also urged to increase public awareness of emergency reduction and bill management programs.
The effort would include promoting the department’s Level Pay program and increasing opportunities to sign up for the LADWP’s money-saving thermostat controller program, which provides a financial incentive to reduce strain on the power grid for short durations.
The approval of the resolution on Tuesday came as LADWP customers complained about unaffordable bills and demanded answers rather than relief.
Krista Parry, an LADWP customer, said her recent water and power bill was $1,400, more than double her previous invoice.
“My stomach dropped, and I immediately called LADWP,” Parry said, adding that the bill strained her household budget. When she reached out to the utility, it put her on a payment plan, according to Parry.
Another LADWP customer, Micah Reed, attended the board meeting in person, calling for an independent audit and changes to how customers are charged during the hottest months. His frustration with water and power bills led him to launch a Change.org petition called “Cap the Heat Tax” after receiving a $3,300 bill.
However, the board did not vote on ordering an independent audit of LADWP despite Mayor Karen Bass also calling for an independent audit. Allan Marks, the board president, said that’s something he hopes to be able to commit to in the next two years.
Mayor Bass on Monday had called for an independent audit of LADWP rates and urged the commissioners “to deliver immediate and comprehensive relief on energy bills for ratepayers facing sharply higher charges.”
“Angelenos are opening bills they did not expect and cannot afford, and they need relief now,” according to a statement from the mayor. “Last week, I directed the Board of Water and Power Commissioners to consider measures to save customers money and ease the burden of unexpectedly high electric bills. I have reviewed the board resolution and we can do more.”
