FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 1, 2008
Contact: LADWP Public Affairs, 213-367-1361
ELIGIBILITY AND OUTREACH EFFORTS EXPANDED FOR LOW-INCOME WATER & POWER CUSTOMERS
Income Limits Increased; Metro Bus Ads to Promote
Low-Income and Free Refrigerator Exchange Programs to Begin
LOS ANGELES – More low-income customers of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) will be eligible for discounts on their water and power bills under new eligibility levels that raise annual income limits on payment assistance programs. As the new income thresholds expand the number of customers eligible for discounts on water and power rates, the Department will begin a targeted advertising campaign to encourage more customers to sign-up for energy and money-saving programs available to its low-income customers.
Next week, the LADWP will place 3,000 ads on Metro Buses throughout the City to ensure customers are aware of money-saving programs such as the Low-Income and Lifeline Rate programs and the LADWP’s award-winning Low-Income Refrigerator Exchange Program which has already installed over 30,000 new, energy-saving refrigerators in low-income customers’ homes .
The state adjusts eligibility criteria annually. That, combined with the adoption of a proposal by City Councilmember Jose Huizar to expand the low-income discount rate from 15 percent to an average of 20 percent, and an increase in the Lifeline discount by an average of 30 percent, will make water and power more affordable for those who can least afford it.
“The increase in DWP’s low-income discount program that I fought for couldn’t come at a better time,” Councilmember Huizar said. “The discount program exists to help customers who can least afford the rising cost of living. The fact that we are now in the hot summer months, when people use more electricity and water, makes the expanded income limits even more important. I am looking forward to working with the DWP to ensure that we make the most of our advertising and marketing outreach to encourage eligible customers to sign up and benefit from the discount program.”
Nick Patsaouras, president of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners, encouraged customers to contact LADWP to see if they qualify. “These programs can help people save tremendously on their water and power bill, so it’s crucial that they check the income eligibility criteria and then submit an application to LADWP. By qualifying for the low-income discount rate, customers may also qualify for a free refrigerator exchange program as long as they are still using an old, energy-guzzling refrigerator,” Patsaouras said.
Beginning July 7, LADWP will post 3,000 interior bus placards promoting the low-income discount rate and Refrigerator Exchange Program in MTA buses, targeting areas with low-income ridership.
Over the past six months, 4,000 new customers have signed up for the low-income and Lifeline discount rate programs following increased efforts to publicize the money-saving programs. Over the past year, 7,000 new customers have taken advantage of the discounts.
Through the Refrigerator Exchange Program, customers receiving the low-income and Lifeline rates can decrease their energy consumption and reduce their electric bills even further. Refrigerators use the majority of energy consumed by most residential customers.
“We are very committed to ensuring that electricity and water continue to be affordable for L.A. residents, and that customers are aware of all of the payment assistance options and energy saving programs available to them,” said LADWP CEO & General Manager David Nahai. “The new Metro Bus advertisements are one part of a comprehensive strategy to outreach to eligible customers and sign them up for this significant discount and encourage them to replace old, energy-guzzling refrigerators for free.”
Eligible customers for the Low Income Discount and Lifeline rates are those whose total household income is at or below the qualifying income level, which was adjusted June 1 based on inflation. The qualifying income levels are set by the California Public Utilities Commission.
Following are the household income limits effective June 1, 2008 through May 31, 2009:
|
Household Size |
Care Income Limit |
|
1 to 2 |
$30,500 |
|
3 |
$35,800 |
|
4 |
$43,200 |
|
5 |
$50,600 |
|
6 |
$58,000 |
|
Each additional |
$7,400 |
To receive an application or request more information about LADWP’s Low-Income payment assistance programs, please cal 1-800-DIAL DWP (1-800-342-5397). Applications are also available for download at www.ladwp.com.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was established more than 100 years ago to provide a reliable and safe water and electric supply to the City of Los Angeles residents and businesses. The LADWP serves approximately 1.4 million electric customers and 680,000 water service customers. For more information, log on to http://www.ladwp.com/.
