LOS ANGELES (October 20, 2026) – Mayor Karen Bass today issued the following statement:
“Over the past few months, Los Angeles has endured multiple punishing heat waves. Running our air conditioners has been a necessity, and for too many Angelenos, the resulting increase in utility bills is a real burden.
“For seniors and people with health conditions, air conditioning isn’t a luxury. It’s essential to staying safe. With outrageous gasoline prices and inflation driving up grocery bills and the cost of living, we don’t want anyone overwhelmed by a utility bill.
“Angelenos need swift relief, and I am taking concrete action to provide it.
“First, LADWP customers can just pay what they can afford now.
“Second, I have asked the LADWP Board to pause shutoffs through the end of the year for customers facing higher bills after the record heat. No LADWP customer who is unable to pay their residential bill will have their electricity or water turned off for the remainder of this year.
“Third, beginning next month, LADWP will provide every residential customer with information about their electricity and water usage, to improve awareness of how they use utilities and how they can conserve. LADWP’s conservation programs can help permanently reduce usage and lower bills.
“Finally, I encourage all LADWP customers to enroll in the Level Pay program, which averages bills over 12 months so costs are predictable and manageable. Low-income seniors and households should consider the Lifeline or EZ-Save programs.
“No Angeleno should have to choose between staying cool and paying their bills. I’m committed to making sure that never happens.”
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