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The Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners (LADWP) recently approved suspending collections-related water and power shutoffs for ALL customers during extreme heat and cold weather events.
The new policy states when the National Weather Service (NWS) issues an extreme heat or cold weather advisory or warning, LADWP will not shut a customer’s water or power off if they are delinquent on their bill.
L.A. Board of Water and Power Commissioners President Cynthia McClain-Hill said, “During extreme heat and cold, Angelenos shouldn’t fear that their water or electric service will be disconnected because they couldn’t afford to pay their utility bill. As we focus on ‘Leading with Equity’ we have prioritized working with our customers to help them manage their bills, while also beating the heat by offering generous extended payment plans, connecting our low-income customers to assistance programs and offering rebates for portable and window air conditioners that can help them keep their families cool during the hottest summer months. I thank my Board colleagues for their support for our expanded weather-related policy that bolsters our department’s commitment to effective equity strategies.”
The motion also directs LADWP staff to install weather monitors in LA’s “urban heat islands” across LADWP’s service area, neighborhoods where weather data gaps exist, to help improve NWS’s ability to better measure and forecast weather conditions, including whether to issue a heat advisory.
