LA Water and Power Halts Service Disconnections
The city utility board voted to suspend residential shutoffs for nonpayment through the end of 2026.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Utilities
Live Poll
Do you support capping seasonal utility bill increases to protect household affordability?
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has paused all residential utility shutoffs for nonpayment through December 31, 2026. This decision follows directives from Mayor Karen Bass aimed at addressing public frustration over rising energy costs.
Why it matters
The suspension provides immediate relief to households struggling with significant increases in electricity usage and base rates caused by recent record-breaking heat waves. Utility leadership is also initiating a formal review of its rate structures and assistance programs to better align with customer equity.
Household electricity consumption rose by 15% to 20% during recent bimonthly billing cycles compared to 2025 levels, while base electric rates climbed 7% over the past year.
The players
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
This municipal utility provides water and electricity services to the city of Los Angeles and surrounding areas.
Karen Bass
The current Mayor of Los Angeles who issued the formal request for a utility shutoff suspension.
Los Angeles City Council
The local legislative body responsible for providing the final approval required for municipal rate structure changes.
The details
The board mandate requires a comprehensive evaluation of seasonal rate adjustments, tier formulas, and equity standards, including the EZ-SAVE Low Income and Lifeline Discount programs. Any permanent changes to the current rate structure will require subsequent formal approval from the Los Angeles City Council.
Timeline
2025 served as the baseline period for electricity consumption comparisons.
October 20, 2026, marked the date Mayor Karen Bass issued directives calling for the suspension.
October 27, 2026, was the day the LADWP board voted to halt residential shutoffs.
December 31, 2026, is the scheduled expiration of the disconnection moratorium.
June 1 is the annual deadline for the utility to issue rate notices.
Market Landscape
The utility's planned evaluation of its billing structure may necessitate formal amendments to the Los Angeles City Charter to implement new rate formulas. This shift highlights a broader trend among large municipal utilities to modernize aging rate designs amidst public pressure.
Residents can expect a reprieve from service disconnections, though their accounts will be automatically transitioned to paperless billing. Customers should monitor future rate notices for potential changes resulting from the utility's structural review.
The takeaway
The suspension of service shutoffs offers temporary security for residents navigating high utility costs during peak cooling months. Customers are encouraged to review the current discount programs available through the utility to see if they qualify for immediate billing relief.
What happens next
The LADWP will issue mandatory annual rate notices on June 1, 2027, and June 1, 2028, as part of its updated billing outreach strategy.
Further reading
For more information on billing and assistance policies, visit the Los Angeles Utilities section.
More information
To manage your account or explore help options, visit the utility assistance and rebate program portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WestsideToday.
Live Poll
Do you support capping seasonal utility bill increases to protect household affordability?
