The Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners adopted a resolution directing the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to suspend residential water and electricity disconnections for nonpayment through the remainder of 2026, the department said.
The resolution says median customer electricity use increased 15 to 20 percent in the most recent bimonthly billing periods compared with the same summer months in 2025; it attributes the rise to record-high summer and fall temperatures that increased air-conditioning use across the city.
The resolution also says electric rates increased 7 percent since last year, driven mainly by incremental investments in system reliability that have contributed to a sharp drop off in power outages since 2024; it cites increases in sewer and solid resources fees charged by LA Sanitation and Environment, which appear on LADWP bills, as additional pressure on customer costs.
Allan Marks, Board President, said, “Angelenos are facing higher costs across nearly every part of daily life, and utility bills are no exception. Today’s action provides immediate relief for residential customers unable to pay their recent summer bills.” Marks told the board he supports modernizing LADWP’s rate structure, a change that would require City Council action.
The board’s resolution directs LADWP to review the electric rate ordinance and develop recommendations on rate factors, levels, tiers and seasonality while prioritizing reliability, affordability, sustainability and equity; to examine policy options and alternative rate structures, including potential City Charter amendments related to limitations imposed by Proposition 26; and to review the EZ-SAVE Low Income and Lifeline Discount programs and recommend options to better assist income-eligible customers.
The resolution also directs LADWP to increase promotion of energy efficiency and water conservation programs; expand outreach about bill-management resources and strongly encourage customers to enroll in the Level Pay program; offer eligible residential customers opportunities to enroll in the Power Savers smart thermostat program; benchmark and inform customers about their use compared with prior periods and similar neighbors; alert customers annually about rates and tiered usage no later than June 1; and enroll new customers in paperless billing while offering existing customers the option to convert.
The board action follows a request from Los Angeles Mayor on Oct. 20 that the board pause residential disconnections through the end of the year, and the release says Mayor Bass called for an independent audit of LADWP rates. Marks welcomed an independent audit and said, “There are several audit options available, but it’s important to remember that any audit will ultimately be paid for by our ratepayers. That’s why we are committed to working collaboratively with independent outside advisors, the Office of Public Accountability, and our city partners including the Mayor’s Office and City Council, to ensure the audit provides meaningful guidance for our decisions. If we revise our rates, we must do so in a way that is fair, transparent, and accountable. Public input will be welcomed, and any updated rates must fully cover our costs and support a balanced budget so we can continue operating a reliable public utility.”
, LADWP Interim General Manager, said, “This resolution puts customer communication and access at the center of our affordability strategy. We will continue to work to ensure customers understand their usage and how they are relevant to rates. We also want them to know what assistance is available to help manage their bills and lower their usage through conservation, efficiency and payment management programs.” The release lists several offerings, including California’s highest residential solar payments; a turf replacement rebate of $5 a square foot; efficient heat pumps; attic insulation; free thermostat controllers; and leak-detection units.
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Karen Bass
Mayor of Los Angeles · Democrat
Named 2 times in this story.
Portrait: Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
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David W. Hanson
Interim General Manager, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Named once in this story.
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