LADWP suspends water bills for Palisades wildfire victims amid restoration efforts

In the heart of Los Angeles, city officials gathered to address the pressing needs of residents affected by the devastating wildfires that swept through the Palisades in January 2025. The meeting, held on June 23, 2025, focused on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the Bureau of Sanitation's plans to alleviate the financial burdens on those who lost their homes or businesses.

As the discussions unfolded, gratitude was expressed for the swift response of city services in the aftermath of the fires. Council members acknowledged the overwhelming loss experienced by many families and the importance of providing timely relief. "In those first few horrific days after the fire, I felt completely overwhelmed," one council member shared, reflecting on the community's struggle. The presence of city workers on the ground, assessing damage and ensuring safety, was a beacon of hope during a dark time.

LADWP officials reported that approximately half of the water meters in the affected area were destroyed, leading to a temporary halt in billing for customers since January 7. This decision was made to prevent financial strain on those who had already faced unimaginable loss. "We will not bill customers for any water use until we can read their meters again," explained Joe Romalo, LADWP's chief customer officer. This approach aims to avoid disputes over estimated bills that could arise from the chaos of the evacuation.

The plan includes resuming meter readings for commercial customers by late July and for residential customers by late August, contingent on environmental cleanup efforts. Meanwhile, electric meters will be read, and customers will be informed about their bills ahead of time, with options for extended payment plans to ease the financial burden.

The Bureau of Sanitation echoed these sentiments, emphasizing their commitment to flexibility and understanding as they navigate the complexities of billing for services tied to water and electricity. "We will exercise the most discretion possible to ensure that affected residents are treated fairly," a representative stated.

As the meeting concluded, officials reassured the community that they would continue to communicate clearly about billing processes and available support. The focus remains on helping residents rebuild their lives while ensuring that no one is caught off guard by unexpected charges. With schools reopening and families returning home, the city is committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for those who have endured so much.