Do you owe money to LADWP? If so, some relief is in sight for some Angelenos who have been unable to pay their water and electric bills, due to lingering financial impacts of the COVID pandemic.
Mayor Eric Garcetti announced on Wednesday, March 2, that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has issued $275 million in utility debt relief to 280,000 residential and commercial customers.
Some of these credits are being applied automatically to LADWP customers who owe money, and will cover bills that accrued between March 2020 to June 2021.
A year ago, in February 2021, LADWP provided $33.7 million to 67,000 low-income customers in a one-time utility debt relief action funded through the CARES Act, which was disseminated through $500 direct checks to customers. The Mayor’s Office, LADWP, and the Bureau of Sanitation are continuing to advocate for additional utility relief at the State and Federal levels.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to carry out such a significant effort with the help of the State and continue to support Angelenos facing hardships resulting from the pandemic,” said Martin Adams, LADWP General Manager and Chief Engineer. “In addition to the state funds credited to the accounts of eligible LADWP customers, we want to get the word out that there is still more help available including discount programs for income-eligible customers, rebates and flexible, extended payment arrangements. We want every customer who is still struggling to reach out to us for assistance.”
Customers can learn more about LADWP debt relief here.
An important note: Last October, LADWP’s Commission voted to extend a moratorium on electric and water shut-offs for non-payment to March 21, 2022. That date is fast-approaching!
If you are experiencing a financial hardship, pay plans are available by visiting ladwp.com/financialassistance or calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP. Other financial assistance programs are also available including a Low-Income Discount Program for qualifying customers.
