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Miss An LADWP Bill During The Pandemic? Help Is On The Way

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Detail of the LADWP Headquarters in downtown L.A.
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Alberto Cueto
/
via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
)

Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.

If you fell behind on your utility bills during the pandemic, some relief may be coming your way.

Qualified customers will receive financial assistance by the end of January 2022 by way of adjustments on their utility bills. This move was made possible after California lawmakers approved using federal money to help people make utility payments.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is expecting up to $265 million dollars from the state to help cover the debt. The department also wants to set aside $15 million of its own budget for customers who missed payments before the pandemic.

Funds from both sources will be combined to help bring down the amount of back payments due from approximately 280,000 customers.

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LADWP commissioners also decided to hold off on water and power shutoffs due to nonpayment until March of next year. This means that Angelenos who are behind on their bill can rest assured that their utilities will stay on until after the debt relief is handed out.

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Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.

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