Low-income Angelenos need their water and power now more than ever. 

No one should have to go without water and power, especially during a pandemic.
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Friends,

With offices closed and Safer-At-Home orders in place, Angelenos are using more utilities than ever to keep themselves and their families safe.

Los Angeles' moratorium on utility shut-offs has been a crucial first step to providing all Angelenos consistent access to water and power. At the end of the year, the moratorium will expire and many low-income Angelenos will be at risk for utility shutoffs.

Low-income Angelenos need their water and power now more than ever.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the largest public utility in the country. It is owned by the people and should serve its ratepayers—especially during a public health crisis.
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That's why RePower LA, which represents a diverse group of environmental justice, labor, and community-based organizations, is calling on LADWP to create a COVID-19 Utility Debt Relief Program that would:
* Erase utility debt for ratepayers enrolled in the LADWP Low-Income program, Lifeline program, or a PayPlan throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

* Improve outreach for existing equity-based programs and the Utility Debt Forgiveness program to address historic under-enrollment and increased eligibility of many Angelenos due to COVID-19.

* Invest in utility justice to reduce the widespread unaffordability of LADWP bills for low-income communities of color as part of Mayor Garcetti’s Executive Order 27. Make long-term investments in justice-oriented rate-setting and equity programs.

* Ensure resources for the COVID-19 Utility Debt Forgiveness Program do not come at the expense of the essential workforce of the LADWP or any existing low-income programs.

The motion introduced by City Council President Nury Martinez directing LADWP to work on utility debt has passed through LA City Council. Now it's up to LADWP to create a program that will relieve the burden of utility debt.

Sign our petition urging LADWP to create a utility debt forgiveness program within 30 days that reflects our community demands. ([link removed])
In Solidarity,

Agustin Cabrera
Campaign Director, RePower LA
LAANE is a leading advocacy organization dedicated to building a new economy for all. Combining dynamic research, innovative public policy and the organizing of broad alliances, LAANE promotes a new economic approach based on good jobs, thriving communities, and a healthy environment.
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