Reports that Los Angeles power bills have tripled in some cases have prompted Mayor Karen Bass to order an independent, non-city-affiliated audit of LADWP rates while calling for swift customer relief.

Here's what to know

According to KTLA, the proposal was expected to go before the board for consideration at a Tuesday meeting. 

Bass urged the LADWP Board of Commissioners to "deliver immediate and comprehensive relief on energy bills for ratepayers facing sharply higher charges" and called for an independent, non-city-affiliated review of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power rates.

One striking example arose in the Fairfax District, where Canter's Deli was charged $35,000. 

KTLA reported that some homeowners and business operators saw bills rise to about three times their normal level after what the utility described as one of the hottest summers on record.

More background

The Mayor's office said the audit would be "fully transparent" and would involve community stakeholders and the Ratepayer Advocate. 

Bass said the review should also "explain how rates are calculated, justified, and billed, evaluate the cost of service, and examine rate design to promote long-term affordability and protect ratepayers from unexpected billing spikes."

For households looking beyond short-term relief, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy. Palmetto is currently running an exclusive offer for Southern California residents that allows customers to save an average of 40% on their electric bills with $0 down.

Another case cited by KTLA involved a Canoga Park resident who, on Oct. 20, received a past-due notice totaling $24,635.30.

Bass is also seeking a 25% increase in LADWP's rebate program for efficient windows, appliances, and cooling systems, saying larger rebates could help residents use less electricity, lower monthly costs, and reduce strain on the city's power grid.

What's being done?

Bass maintained that the board should do more than simply promote the department's existing Level Pay budget-billing program. 

Separately, she directed LADWP officials to "consider measures to save customers money and ease the burden of unexpectedly high electric bills."

Her office said every residential customer will start receiving more detailed electricity and water usage information. 

Bass also urged LADWP to offer an incentive for customers to enroll in Level Pay and to consider automatic enrollment, adding that families should be protected from surprise bills.

In the meantime, LADWP is expected to expand outreach on bill-assistance programs.

For many residents, that makes longer-term bill reduction just as important as emergency relief. With Palmetto's help, the average Southern California resident can save 40% on their electric bills, which can add up to thousands of dollars per year. Its $0-down offer could appeal especially to households trying to avoid another season of unpredictable charges.

"Angelenos are opening bills they did not expect and cannot afford, and they need relief now," Bass remarked.

After Tuesday's meeting, a relief plan was approved, according to KTLA, but the proposal for an independent audit fell through. LADWP said it was already conducting an audit, including an annual review of financials paid for by customers.

"Additional audits, bear in mind, if they're done at a point where it comes to us, we will have to pay for them," LADWP President Allan Marks said, per KTLA.

Where can I learn more?

Rising electricity costs across Los Angeles and California are hitting households and fueling calls for relief.

• In Los Angeles, electric bills hit $1,000 as heat wave AC use surged.

• A Los Angeles family kept home at 74 degrees before a $3,300 power bill sparked a petition.

• California launched its first utility rate oversight overhaul in 19 years amid fairness concerns.

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