The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is responsible for providing clean, reliable, and affordable water to nearly four million residents and businesses. This vital service requires significant investment in infrastructure, operations, and programs - and is impacted by several complementary programs at the utility.
The Office of the Ratepayer Advocate plays a critical role in ensuring that these programs and investments are made efficiently and that water rates are fair and transparent for residential, commercial and industrial customers.
Understanding LADWP's Water Services and Rate Setting
LADWP's water utility operations encompass everything from sourcing and treating water to maintaining the vast network of pipes that deliver it to homes and businesses. The costs associated with these activities, along with ongoing investments in sustainability and infrastructure upgrades, are recovered through water rates.
The process of setting these rates is complex, involving detailed analyses of operational expenses, capital improvement projects, and future demand forecasts. LADWP proposes rate adjustments, which then undergo public review and approval processes. The Ratepayer Advocate actively participates in these processes to scrutinize LADWP's proposals to advocate for the financial interests of ratepayers.
The Ratepayer Advocates Role in Advocating for Water Ratepayers
The Ratepayer Advocates primary objective is to ensure that LADWP’s rates, programs, policies and decisions are in the ratepayers interest - balancing the need for system improvements with the imperative of affordability. We work to:
By actively engaging in LADWP's rate-setting processes and providing a strong voice for consumers, the Ratepayer Advocate strives to achieve a water system that is not only clean and reliable but also truly affordable for all Los Angeles residents.
Major LADWP water planning and infrastructure programs (non-exhaustive)
Schedules and rates for single- and multi-dwelling residential customers across the LADWP service territory, and the cost and revenue studies that are foundational to establishing them.
Schedules and rates for CIG customers across the LADWP service territory, and the cost and revenue studies that are foundational to establishing them.
Represents the master plan for water supply and resources management for LADWP, updated every 5 years in compliance with state law.
Sets goals and tracks progress for infrastructure maintenance and upgrades as part of LADWP’s $7 billion five-year water system capital plan.
Water supply initiative in partnership with LADWP and LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) to increase overall water supply resiliency and reliability for Los Angeles, focused on local water supplies via water recycling.
Series of programs, resources, rebates and restrictions to promote water conservation and stormwater management.
Programs and investments to ensure supply of consistent clean drinking water throughout the LADWP service territory in compliance with state and federal standards.
Programs and investments to improve the groundwater quality in Los Angeles and maximize underground water storage.
Programs, investments and rates from LADWPs external supplier of water to maintain and improve water reliability, quality and affordability.
Programs, strategies and investments to improve biodiversity, air quality, water supply and quality from major watersheds supplying the Los Angeles metropolitan region.