DWP Makes Payment Arrangements For Customers With High Utility Bills.

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 1998--Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers who cranked up their air conditioners for relief during the recent heat wave may get some relief from their bills in the form of payment arrangements if they are having difficulty paying their bills.

Customers who relied heavily on air conditioners and electric fans and coolers during the August/September heat wave may have used a considerable amount of electricity and may be unprepared for higher-than-normal bills.

"We encourage customers who are unable to pay their bill to contact us immediately," said Fred Puglia, DWP director of customer services. "We are willing to work with our customers to arrange a method of paying their bill in regular installments to continue their service."

Puglia reminds customers that extensive use of electrical appliances and air conditioners is the major reason for increased electric consumption and higher than normal bills. Heavy use of water -- particularly for landscaping purposes, will increase water bills during warmer months.

"Also, conservation materials are available to help curb both electric and water usage as the heat continues," he said.

DWP offers a number of programs and services to help customers lower their bills. The discounts available to DWP residential customers include:

-- Residential Low Income Rate

-- Senior Citizen Lifeline Discount

-- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

-- Life Support Discount

-- Disabled Person Discount

-- Multiple Sclerosis, Paraplegic, Quadriplegic Discount

The following services are available to help residential customers pay their bills and lower their bills through reduced energy and water consumption:

-- Payment Extensions provide a plan to help customers who are

having difficulty paying their bills.

-- Project Angel is funded by DWP customers and is dispensed to

low-income customers once a year.

-- Referral to Payment Assistance Agencies gives customers

information about financial assistance outside of DWP.

-- Third Party Notification allows another person to monitor

customers bills to ensure payment.

-- Energy Use Analysis provides customers with recommendations

for cutting energy costs with energy efficiency practices and/or

equipment.

-- Alternative Cooling Information describes energy efficient

ways to cool the home without the use of traditional mechanical

air-conditioning systems.

-- Ultra-Low Flush (ULF) Toilet Program helps customers reduce

water usage by providing free toilets or rebates for purchasing a

ULF that replaces a conventional model.

Customers may call DWP for assistance at 800/DIAL-DWP (342-5397).