LADWP Board to Vote on Rate Relief as Mayor Bass Demands Audit

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Board of Commissioners is set to vote on measures to provide immediate relief to customers facing sharply higher utility bills on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

The meeting comes as Mayor Karen Bass calls for an independent audit of the utility's rates. Bass stated that Angelenos are receiving bills they did not expect and cannot afford, urging the board to deliver comprehensive relief now.

Bass directed the board to consider measures to save customers money and ease the burden of unexpectedly high electric bills. She said she has reviewed a board resolution and believes the city can do more to help residents.

In addition to the audit, the mayor wants the board to increase LADWP's energy efficiency rebate program by 25%. She noted that these requests build on previous steps, including allowing customers to pay only what they can afford and stopping all shutoffs through the end of the year.

Beginning next month, LADWP will provide every residential customer with more detailed information about their electricity and water usage. The utility is also expanding outreach to promote bill assistance programs such as Lifeline, EZ-Save, and Level Pay.

Customers have voiced frustration over recent invoices that appear to have more than doubled. Krista Parry, an LADWP customer, reported receiving a recent bill for $1,400, a figure that was more than double her previous invoice.

Parry said she expected a bill of $600 or $800 during the hot period but was surprised by the higher amount. She added that the utility placed her on a payment plan, but she wants to know what is driving the increase.

Micah Reed, who launched a Change.org petition called Cap the Heat Tax after receiving a $3,300 bill, plans to attend the meeting in person. He is calling for an independent audit and changes to how customers are charged during the hottest months.

Reed said he believes an audit is a start but does not necessarily lower bills. He hopes the board votes yes on the resolution, which he views as a step forward, and he intends to keep pushing for rate relief for summer tiers.

The Tuesday agenda also includes presentations on El Niño preparedness and the hydroelectric system modernization and reliability improvement programs. A vote on energy efficiency and water conservation programs is also scheduled.

City Councilwoman Nithya Raman, who is running against Bass for mayor, called for an independent audit of LADWP's rate structure and billing last week. Her campaign spokeswoman, Liz Garcia, said Angelenos should be outraged that it took election pressure for the mayor to act.

Garcia stated that Bass had four years to scrutinize LADWP costs and hold appointed commissioners accountable. She pointed out that Bass is now asking taxpayers to pay outside consultants for an audit after cutting the budget of the elected Controller's Office. City Controller Kenneth Mejia is calling for adequate staff to audit LADWP regularly. Bass' campaign responded by noting that Raman voted to raise trash collection fees in 2025.