LADWP Board Suspends Residential Shutoffs Through December
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power voted unanimously on Tuesday to keep residential water and power on for customers who fall behind on payments.
By Daniel Bernard ·
Los Angeles residents who fall behind on their utility bills will not face shutoffs for the rest of the year. The LADWP Board of Directors voted unanimously on Tuesday to suspend residential shutoffs for nonpayment through December 31.
The decision applies to both water and power services for residential customers. Under normal rules, the utility company can disconnect service after a customer misses two monthly payments. This temporary pause prevents that action for the next two months.
The board made the move as winter approaches and utility bills often rise. The suspension is a direct response to the financial strain many households face during the colder months.
City officials have expressed support for the decision. They view it as a necessary step to keep basic services running for vulnerable families during the holiday season.
This is not the first time LADWP has taken this measure. The utility has suspended shutoffs in previous years, often citing high energy costs or extreme weather. The current action extends through the end of December, covering the two months with the highest demand for heating and lighting.
Customers who are already disconnected for nonpayment are not automatically reconnected by this vote. The suspension applies to active accounts that are past due. Those already without service must settle their balances to get power or water back.
The LADWP noted that the suspension does not cancel the debt. Customers still owe the money for the months they do not pay. Interest and late fees continue to accrue on the unpaid balance.
The board’s vote was part of its regular monthly meeting. The measure passed with a 5-0 vote. All five directors in attendance cast a vote in favor of the suspension.
Residents can check their account status online or by calling LADWP customer service. The utility will continue to send bills to customers during the suspension period. The final bill of the year will include any charges from November and December.
Source: Los Angeles Daily News
