City of Los Angeles Office of Public Accountability/Ratepayer Advocate

09/01/2026

It’s been really hot lately! And the hotter it gets, the more water it can take to keep lawns and landscapes green.

But did you know that through LADWP’s Landscape Efficiency Assistance Program (LEAP), eligible customers can have their traditional lawns replaced with drought-tolerant landscaping at no cost, helping save water and money?

Learn more about LEAP and how rethinking the traditional L.A. lawn can help lower water use and water bills in our blog: https://opa.lacity.gov/blog/rethinking-la-lawn-guide-ladwps-no-cost-landscape-replacement-program

Click here for more information on the LEAP Program: https://www.ladwp.com/residential-services/programs-and-rebates-residential/landscape-efficiency-assistance-program

By Evan Magallanes(5-7minute read)One of the biggest drivers of water use for many single-family homes is outdoor irrigation, which on average accounts for nearly half of a home’s total water consumption. While green grass is a classic look, landscaping choices are among the most impactful decisio...

08/19/2026

OPA Deputy Executive Director Edith Moreno recently welcomed a new baby girl, and, with her, some unexpected changes in household energy use. A higher energy bill prompted a closer look at how smart technology could help better manage energy use and costs.

In OPA’s latest blog, Edith shares her experience using a smart thermostat, the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power rebate that helped reduce the upfront cost, and some of the barriers that can keep cost-saving tools out of reach.

Read “A New Baby, A New Energy Bill” here:

By Edith Moreno3-5 minute readLate this spring, my wife and I welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. Like many new parents we started budgeting for diapers, childcare, and all the other expenses that come with a growing family. One cost I hadn’t fully considered was our electric bill.

07/16/2026

Every interaction with a ratepayer is an opportunity to learn.

Over the past year, the City of Los Angeles Office of Public Accountability answered questions, helped resolve concerns, and analyzed customer inquiries to identify recurring issues and opportunities to improve the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power customer experience.

Read how those insights informed five recommendations to strengthen the customer experience here:

07/09/2026

Affordability doesn't exist in a vacuum.

A new national Harris Poll (link in comments) found that 95% of Americans believe the U.S. is facing an affordability crisis, with utilities among the goods and services many consider least affordable.

Here in Los Angeles, OPA's recent report shares what LADWP customers told us about utility affordability, the challenges they face, and recommendations to strengthen affordability.

What's one thing that would make your utility bill easier to manage? We'd like to hear from you. Read the report, explore the findings, and share your story on our website:

The Los Angeles Office of Public Accountability (OPA) held a series of workshops in six communities to better understand Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) customers’ perspectives on affordability. This report outlines what community members shared and identifies ways OPA can reflec...

06/25/2026

People across Los Angeles are facing the growing challenge of balancing rising costs, including utility bills.

Through a series of community engagement events, we heard firsthand from Los Angeles Department of Water & Power customers about their experiences with utility affordability. The clear takeaway: affordability is about more than the bill.

Read our latest report, Community Perspectives on Utility Affordability, to learn how customer perspectives informed preliminary recommendations that will help shape conversations about the future of water and power service in Los Angeles. A link to our report and fact sheet can be found in the comments below.

06/17/2026

Service extends beyond the office.

Last week, the OPA team joined Central City Neighborhood Partners (CCNP) to help distribute 1,000 bags of food to families in Los Angeles.
Thank you to Eduardo Rodriguez for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful day.

CCNP, Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department

06/11/2026

The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power recently released an update to its LA100 Plan. What could it mean for ratepayers?

Read our latest blog to learn more about LA100, its implications for affordability, and opportunities to better integrate investments, customer programs, and rate design in future planning.

Read more here:

By Tim O'Connor(7-10 minute read)You might have missed it, but the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) recently released an update to its ambitious and industry-leading power system plan – also called the LA100 Plan (LA100). This update is a significant milestone towards the City’s...

06/08/2026

New research from Strategic Concepts in Organizing & Policy Education (SCOPE) & LEAP LA examines utility affordability and energy equity in Los Angeles.

Read the report, "Powering Equity: An Action Plan to Address Energy Burden and Structural Barriers at LADWP" here: https://scopela.org/plan-to-address-energy-burden-and-structural-barriers/

We look forward to continued engagement with the community and stakeholders on these critical utility issues.

Communities For A Better Environment, Pacoima Beautiful, Esperanza Community Housing, Sacred Places Institute for Indigenous Peoples, Physicians for Social Responsibility Los Angeles

Building grassroots power to create social and economic justice for low-income, female, immigrant, black, and brown communities in Los Angeles.

06/04/2026

Hope to see you at Los Angeles Sanitation & Environment's Open House in West LA this Saturday, June 6!

When: 10 AM - 2 PM
Where: West LA District Yard - 2027 Stoner Ave, Los Angeles

Please stop by our booth to say hello and learn about ways to stay engaged on proposed changes impacting your water and power rates!

05/28/2026

Here’s a look at OPA’s recent Affordability Listening Sessions and Solutions Summits. Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared their experiences with utility affordability.

What’s next? OPA is preparing a public report summarizing community feedback, affordability challenges, and potential solutions.

Special thanks to Special thanks to Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, Deputy Mayor Randall Winston, Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department, Lionel Mares, Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education, Proyecto Pastoral at Dolores Mission, Pacoima Beautiful, the Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley, the Wilmington Recreation Center, the Lincoln Heights Senior Center, and First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles.