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Bass Orders Independent Audit After Sharp LADWP Bill Hikes

By Drooid · Oct 27, 2026, 3:37 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers received sharply higher utility bills, sparking relief demands.
Mayor Karen Bass ordered the LADWP board to consider an independent audit and bill relief.
Councilwoman Nithya Raman also called for an independent audit of LADWP’s rate structure.
One resident’s water and power bill reached $1,400, double the prior amount.
Interim general manager Dave Hanson said summer heat increased electricity use, moving customers into higher pricing tiers.

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Story summary

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers received sharply higher utility bills, sparking relief demands.
Mayor Karen Bass ordered the LADWP board to consider an independent audit and bill relief.
Councilwoman Nithya Raman also called for an independent audit of LADWP’s rate structure.
One resident’s water and power bill reached $1,400, double the prior amount.
Interim general manager Dave Hanson said summer heat increased electricity use, moving customers into higher pricing tiers.