Level Pay Helps Take the Stress Out of Summer Bills

LADWP's bill payment option evens-out seasonal bill spikes due to increased summer electricity use across 12 monthly payments

LOS ANGELES (October 7, 2026) - Following recent extreme heat events and resulting higher customer electricity use, LADWP urges all customers concerned about increases in summer bills to sign up for the Level Pay program to help balance the seasonal ups and downs of utility bills with predictable, set monthly payments. With the same amount due each month, customers can avoid seasonal bill spikes, making it easier to plan and budget for their bills throughout the year.

"Extreme heat can put a strain on both our health and our household budgets," said Mayor Karen Bass. "Making Los Angeles more affordable means giving Angelenos the stability and predictability they need to plan ahead. I encourage Angelenos to take advantage of LADWP's Level Pay program and other resources available to help manage energy costs."

As Angelenos experience longer, more intense heat waves, many households are running air conditioners for extended hours to stay safe. LADWP is committed to helping customers manage their utility bills in the near term as well as build long-term resilience, by offering payment flexibility, a suite of energy efficiency programs and rebates to help customers reduce electricity use without compromising safety.

"Los Angeles has just experienced its hottest summer on record, and for many families, the electricity bills that follow can be overwhelming. As Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, my priority is making sure no Angeleno has to choose between staying safe and paying their bill," said Councilmember Adrin Nazarian. "That's why I asked for a public verbal report in my committee on what LADWP is doing to help. Because of the committee's urging, LADWP is now offering real tools, from Level Pay to bill assistance and cooling rebates, and I urge every resident, especially my constituents in the Valley who face some of the hottest temperatures in the city, to take advantage of them."

Building on these efforts to support customers during extreme heat, LADWP leadership emphasizes the importance of accessible programs and practical strategies to help Angelenos manage both their energy use and household budgets.

"We know bill affordability is a big concern for our customers at this time. While our rates are lower than most other major utilities, we continue to offer flexible bill-payment options and financial-assistance programs for customers who experience higher bills after prolonged periods of heavy electricity use," said David W. Hanson, LADWP Interim General Manager. "We want to help Angelenos stay safe while using energy wisely. Air conditioners work harder during heat waves, so we encourage customers to take advantage of our cost-saving programs and rebates for energy-efficient cooling devices and equipment, and to use simple strategies-like setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher and making small home improvements-to help manage energy use."

Managing Higher Summer Utility Bills

LADWP has several bill payment options available to customers. All residential customers are eligible to enroll in Level Pay to smooth-out the seasonal highs and lows of utility bills with set monthly payments over 12 months. Monthly amounts can also include past-due balances, helping to make bills more predictable. Learn more at LADWP.com/LevelPay.

If a customer needs a reprieve on an upcoming bill payment, LADWP can work with them directly, before the bill becomes delinquent, to create a payment arrangement-no down payment, no interest, and no fees. Income-eligible customers may qualify for payment arrangements of up to 48-months, and all other customers up to 24 months. Details available at LADWP.com/BillPayOptions.

LADWP also offers bill discounts and discounted rates for low-income customers, seniors, and individuals with disabilities through its EZ SAVE, Senior Citizen and Disability Lifeline Rate, Physician Certified Allowance Discount, as well as other bill payment and financial assistance options. Find out more at LADWP.com/FinancialAssistance.

LADWP customers can also consider Time-of-Use Rates that reward customers for shifting electricity use to times of day when demand is lower and energy is less expensive. By avoiding high-demand periods, customers can reduce their overall bills and help ease strain on the electrical grid. TOU rates also support cleaner energy usage by encouraging consumption during periods of greater renewable energy availability. LADWP.com/Rates

To help customers mitigate bill impacts due to their increased electricity use, LADWP recommends the following tips to reduce energy use during high temps while staying safe:

• Set thermostats to around 78°F when home, and slightly higher when away.
• Keep blinds or curtains closed during peak sun hours.
• Use fans to circulate air and reduce cooling load.
• Clean or replace air-conditioning filters regularly to improve efficiency.
• Seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent cool air from escaping
• More tips at LADWP.com/EETips.

Improving home energy efficiency and using cooling equipment wisely are the most effective ways to manage increased seasonal electricity use. Customers can sign up for the free Home Energy Improvement Program, apply for rebates on common efficiency methods on the Consumer Rebate Program, shop in the Efficient Product Marketplace, and the income-qualified can get up to $275 on Energy Star®-rated window and through-the-wall air conditioners, and up to $225 on Title 20-compliant portable units from the Cool LAMarketplace. LADWP also offers Power Savers, where participants can receive up to $165 for allowing remote adjustment of a customer's smart thermostat up by four degrees during periods of peak energy demand. For residential customers living in multifamily dwellings (apartments, condominiums, duplexes), Shared Solar is a program that directly helps customers build long term resilience by fixing a portion of their electric bill against rising utility costs for 10 years with no enrollment fees, ongoing costs, maintenance costs, nor the need for their own solar array. The popular Attic Insulation Rebate is also available to help residential customers and property owners improve indoor home comfort and reduce cooling costs with rebates on bat and roll attic insulation. Learn more about these programs on LADWP.com/Save.

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