Utility costs are surging across Southern California, leaving residents struggling to manage higher bills amid record heat and rate hikes by major providers.
Jamie Lee, who lives in Valencia, said her electricity bill reached $856.40 in August, nearly a 50% increase compared to early summer. “The heat lasted late into the night, and the humidity made it impossible not to use air conditioning,” she said. Alex Kwon of Koreatown added that his bill jumped by 13.4% between late July and September.
Some households are paying more than $1,500 for combined electricity and water. Bruce Scott, a Woodland Hills resident, told NBC4 that his bill from June through August hit $1,500 even after installing solar panels. “I can’t understand how it’s still this high,” he said.
Amid growing frustration, utility companies are continuing with rate increases. Southern California Edison (SCE) raised its electricity rates by 10% on October 1, after approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in September. The change adds about $17 per month for the average household—around $200 annually—and SCE said about 3% annual increases are possible through 2028 to reflect inflation.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) also raised rates, increasing electricity costs by 2.5 cents per kilowatt-hour in July. LADWP Chief Financial Officer Ann Santilli said the hike was necessary due to rising energy expenses.
Water rates are climbing too. According to the Los Angeles Times, average water bills in Los Angeles County have risen nearly 60% between 2015 and 2025, driven by aging infrastructure replacement, drought-prevention projects, and stricter water quality standards.
Experts warn that the combination of climate change–driven heat and continued utility rate increases will further burden ordinary households. They emphasize that stronger assistance programs are urgently needed for low-income and senior residents facing escalating living costs.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
