The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is committed to ensuring that all Los Angeles residents have access to affordable utility services. Recognizing the financial challenges faced by many households, LADWP has enhanced its Ladwp Care Program, specifically the Low-Income ‘EZ-SAVE’ Customer Assistance Program, to make it simpler and faster for eligible customers to enroll and benefit from significant cost savings.
The ‘EZ-SAVE’ program is a cornerstone of the LADWP Care Program, designed to alleviate the burden of monthly water and electricity expenses for income-qualified customers. Currently, over 123,000 LADWP customers are enrolled and receiving monthly discounts on their electric, water, and sanitation bills. This initiative underscores LADWP’s dedication to supporting vulnerable communities and ensuring essential services are within reach for everyone.
Heartwarming moment of care with LADWP program: An image shows a woman affectionately kissing a senior, symbolizing the support and assistance offered by the LADWP Cares program to low-income residents in Los Angeles.
Mayor Eric Garcetti emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “Angelenos shouldn’t have to worry about keeping their lights on or their water running. By streamlining the Low-Income Program application, LADWP is making it easier for more households to benefit from this LADWP Care Program. This will empower thousands of Angelenos to access crucial savings on their utility bills and build a more secure financial future.”
Cynthia McClain-Hill, President of the Board of Water and Power Commissioners, highlighted the user-friendly improvements: “We are dedicated to making it easier, faster, and simpler for both renters and homeowners with low incomes to get the assistance they urgently need through the LADWP Care Program. We understand the daily struggles of our customers working tirelessly to make ends meet. Our goal is to remove the constant worry about affording essential utility services each month.”
The revamped ‘EZ-SAVE’ application process directly addresses previous barriers to access. Ms. McClain-Hill explained, “We recognize that a complex application process can deter customers from seeking crucial financial aid. By updating our ‘EZ-SAVE’ sign-up to be more user-friendly and accessible online or by phone, we are confident we can significantly increase enrollment in the LADWP Care Program. We are committed to connecting eligible customers with the full range of financial assistance available to them and will be launching a comprehensive outreach campaign to further boost enrollment.”
Applying for the LADWP Care Program ‘EZ-SAVE’ assistance is now remarkably straightforward. Applicants need only to declare their household income and provide basic household details. The income eligibility guidelines are based on household size, ensuring that the program effectively supports those who need it most. Customers can easily apply online by visiting www.ladwp.com/Cares, where they can verify their eligibility, log into their account, and complete the brief application. For those without an online account, creating one is a simple step towards accessing the LADWP Care Program benefits. Paper applications are also available by calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP.
Upon approval, customers will see the LADWP Care Program discount reflected in their next utility bill. Enrollment in ‘EZ-SAVE’ also opens doors to other financial assistance programs and flexible, extended payment arrangements, lasting up to four years, providing long-term stability and peace of mind.
The income guidelines for the Low-Income ‘EZ-SAVE’ Program are structured to accommodate varying household sizes and needs:
| HOUSEHOLD SIZE | MAXIMUM ANNUAL GROSS INCOME |
|---|---|
| 1 | $34,840 |
| 2 | $34,840 |
| 3 | $43,920 |
| 4 | $53,000 |
| 5 | $62,080 |
| 6 | $71,160 |
| 7 | $80,240 |
| 8 | $89,320 |
| Each Additional Person | $9,080 |
Beyond ‘EZ-SAVE’, the LADWP Care Program encompasses further support through the Senior Citizen/Disability Lifeline Program, offering energy bill discounts to income-qualified seniors (62+) and permanently disabled individuals. Furthermore, ‘EZ-SAVE’ and Lifeline program participants can upgrade to energy-efficient refrigerators through the Refrigerator Exchange Program, reducing energy consumption and long-term costs.
LADWP has also recently announced a significant $300 million utility debt assistance initiative to support residential customers struggling with past-due bills due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This demonstrates LADWP’s comprehensive approach to customer care and financial relief.
LADWP General Manager and Chief Engineer Martin Adams reassured customers, “Our customer service team is ready to assist with any questions and ensure customers fully utilize the resources available through the LADWP Care Program. In addition to state funding for pandemic-related utility debt and extended repayment plans, this streamlined ‘EZ-SAVE’ application process is another step in our commitment to supporting our customers. We want every customer to know that help is available.”
To explore the LADWP Care Program, including the Low-Income EZ-SAVE Program and other assistance options, and to apply online, please visit ladwp.com/cares.
