LOS ANGELES (Oct. 7, 2026); The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power urged customers to enroll in its Level Pay program to spread higher summer electricity costs into 12 equal monthly payments, LADWP said.
LADWP said all residential customers are eligible for Level Pay; monthly amounts can include past‑due balances to make bills more predictable. The utility framed the push as a response to recent extreme heat and higher household electricity use.
“Extreme heat can put a strain on both our health and our household budgets,” said Mayor in the release. The mayor encouraged Angelenos to use Level Pay and other LADWP resources to plan ahead.
Councilmember said, “Los Angeles has just experienced its hottest summer on record, and for many families, the electricity bills that follow can be overwhelming. As Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, my priority is making sure no Angeleno has to choose between staying safe and paying their bill.”
, LADWP interim general manager, said, “We know bill affordability is a big concern for our customers at this time. While our rates are lower than most other major utilities, we continue to offer flexible bill‑payment options and financial‑assistance programs for customers who experience higher bills after prolonged periods of heavy electricity use.”
Beyond Level Pay, LADWP told customers it can set payment arrangements with no down payment, no interest and no fees; income‑eligible customers may qualify for arrangements up to 48 months and other customers up to 24 months. The release lists discounts and discounted rates for low‑income customers, seniors and customers with disabilities, plus rebates and efficiency programs to reduce cooling costs.
LADWP recommended simple steps to lower cooling bills while staying safe: set thermostats to about 78°F when home and higher when away; keep blinds or curtains closed during peak sun hours; use fans to reduce cooling load; clean or replace air‑conditioning filters; and seal gaps around windows and doors. The release points readers to LADWP.com/LevelPay and LADWP.com/Save for program details and enrollment.
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Karen Bass
Mayor of Los Angeles · Democrat
Named once in this story.
Portrait: Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
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Adrin Nazarian
Los Angeles City Councilmember, District 2
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Portrait: Los Angeles City Council / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
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David W. Hanson
Interim General Manager, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
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