LADWP Board Halts Utility Shutoffs

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers will not face utility shutoffs through 2026, following a resolution approved by the LADWP Board of Commissioners on Tuesday. The vote came after residents voiced frustration over sharply increased bills triggered by recent summer heat waves.

The resolution directs the utility to maintain service for customers with overdue accounts. It also urges the department to provide regular data on water and power usage while updating the public on electric rates. The board further recommended increasing awareness of existing emergency reduction and bill management options.

Specific programs targeted for promotion include Level Pay, which manages bill amounts, and the thermostat controller initiative. The latter provides financial incentives to customers who reduce power grid strain for short durations. These measures aim to alleviate immediate financial pressure without altering the underlying rate structure.

Customers at the Tuesday meeting expressed that they sought clarity on billing methods rather than temporary relief. Krista Parry, an LADWP customer, reported a recent water and power bill of $1,400, which was more than double her previous invoice. Parry stated that her stomach dropped upon seeing the charge and that the utility placed her on a payment plan after she called.

Micah Reed, another attendee, called for an independent audit and changes to how customers are charged during peak heat months. Reed launched a Change.org petition titled "Cap the Heat Tax" after receiving a $3,300 bill. He attended the board meeting in person to voice these demands.

The board did not vote to order an independent audit of LADWP, despite calls for such a review. Board President Allan Marks said he hopes to commit to an audit within the next two years. Mayor Karen Bass had urged the commissioners to deliver immediate and comprehensive relief on energy bills for ratepayers facing sharply higher charges.

In a statement released Monday, Mayor Bass said Angelenos are opening bills they did not expect and cannot afford. She noted that she had directed the board to consider measures to save customers money and ease the burden of unexpectedly high electric bills. The mayor added that she reviewed the board resolution and believed the utility could do more.