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In the midst of a heat wave that is suffocating southern California, with temperatures reaching triple digits, the suspension of two programs that offered support for the payment of water bills to low-income and senior citizens.
In a statement, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) disclosed the suspension of the EZ-SAVE and Lifeline programs to stop support for the payment of water bills as a result of a judicial decision.
The agency clarified that the decision does not affect the enrollment status of the program and clients do not have to make any adjustments to continue receiving the other benefits of the two programs, so does not affect discounts offered through the LADWP electric rate ordinance or sewer service.
“It is unfortunate that we can no longer offer low-income water discounts, but we want all affected customers to know that LADWP is here to help you manage your water and electric bills, especially if you are senior or on a limited budget. revenue,” said LADWP COO Aram Benyamin.
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“We are committed to working with our customers enrolled in EZ-SAVE and Lifeline to help them access financial assistance through state and local assistance programs and we will not disconnect your utility services if you are unable to pay your utility bill,” added Benyamin. .
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The LADWP said that, per a Los Angeles Superior Court determination (for case number 19STCV07272), As of July 20, 2023, the agency will no longer be able to apply the Water Subsidy Adjustment (LISA) of approximately 10 cents per billing unit, which was used to finance discounts applied to eligible customers.
“Currently, LADWP has more than 240,000 income-eligible customers enrolled in the EZ-SAVE and Lifeline programs. LADWP notified all affected customers in a letter sent this week, which included additional information on ways LADWP can help customers save and manage their utility bills,” the agency added in its statement.
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LADWP’s clarification that the discount for energy service is not affected is important because the National Meteorological Service recommended the use of air conditioning to counteract the effects of the intense heat wave, which increases energy consumption in households that have this type of resources.
“It’s important to put attention on LADWP customers enrolled in the EZ-SAVE and Lifeline programs will continue to receive discounted electric and sewer rates on their bill“, the agency reiterated.
LADWP said that clients enrolled in the two programs may be eligible for other benefit programs with qualified income.
For more information on the assistance programs available from LADWP, visit ladwp.com/cares.
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