DWP High Bills? - Temporary Relief and how to investigate or file complaint.

Mayor Bass announces temporary relief for Los Angeles residents affected by skyrocketing utility bills

Story Credit KTLA Channel 5 - by: Jocelyn Fiset

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement Tuesday on some major changes to bring temporary relief for Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers affected by skyrocketing utility bills amid multiple recent heat waves.

There’s been a growing outrage and calls for investigation after some customers reported their bills tripling in recent months, spiking by hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars.

Bass released a statement Tuesday announcing action she’s taking for customers to get relief.

“Over the past few months, Los Angeles has endured multiple punishing heat waves,” Bass said. “Running our air conditioners has been a necessity, and for too many Angelenos, the resulting increase in utility bills is a real burden.”

“Angelenos need swift relief, and I am taking concrete action to provide it.” she said.

First, Bass said LADWP customers can “just pay what they can afford now.”

Second, Bass said she asked the LADWP board to pause shutoffs through the end of the year for customers facing higher bills after the record heat.

“No LADWP customer who is unable to pay their residential bill will have their electricity or water turned off for the remainder of this year,” she said.

Third, starting next month, LADWP will provide every residential customer with information about their electricity usage, to improve awareness of how they use utilities and how they can conserve.

Lastly, Bass is encouraging all LADWP customers to enroll in the Level Pay program, which averages bills over 12 months so costs are more predictable.

Bass also said low-income seniors and households should consider the Lifeline or EZ-Save programs, financial assistance programs offered by LADWP to help customers lower their electric and sewer bills.

“No Angeleno should have to choose between staying cool and paying their bills. I’m committed to making sure that never happens,” she said.

LADWP bills have become a hot-button topic, with both L.A. mayoral candidates speaking on the issue in the weeks leading up to Election Day.

Mayoral hopeful Councilmember Nithya Raman said during a press conference Monday that LADWP hasn’t checked in with the City Council about its rates since 2016.

“These increases are hidden in what the DWP calls ‘adjustment factors,’” Raman said. “Under this mayor, these hidden charges now make up more than two-thirds of the full cost.”

Mayor Karen Bass’ office refutes her opponent’s claims on the issue, saying Raman actually voted to increase LADWP bills last year.

A spokesperson for Raman responded to that accusation, saying in an email, “Nithya has never voted to raise water and electricity rates.”

LADWP previously had shared a statement with KTLA, which read, “LADWP bills two months at a time, and some customers may be receiving bills including August and September charges, which is likely to be one of the highest two-month bills of the year. While our rates are lower than most other major utilities, Los Angeles has just experienced its hottest summer on record, and that can translate into higher electricity usage for some families and businesses.”

Above Story Credit KTLA Channel 5 - by: Jocelyn Fiset

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How to Request an Investigation or file a complaint:

To request an investigation or dispute a charge on your Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) bill, you can contact customer service directly or submit an inquiry through your online account.