A judge has approved a class action lawsuit settlement between plaintiffs and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). The plaintiffs allege LADWP made several types of billing errors that led to the overcharging of water, sewer, electric, and sanitation services. Class member plaintiffs added additional charges that linked the overbilling to a new billing system. Participants in a solar incentive program assert LADWP caused damage to homes.
The LADWP class action lawsuit alleges fraud, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, and negligent misrepresentation violations as covered by the California Unfair Competition Law and California Legal Remedies Act. LADWP has not admitted to any law breaking activities, but the utility has agreed to the class action settlement to avoid the costs of protracted court battles with individual plaintiffs.
Settled on December 30, 2016, the LADWP class action lawsuit provides compensation to eligible class member and “remedial relief” to ensure the utility’s billing systems produce “accurate and reliable” meter readings. The settlement has created several ways for consumers to receive compensation.
What You Need to Know
Eligible class members of the case known as Jones v. City of Los Angeles, Case No. BC577267, in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, Central District were overbilled for water, sewer, electric, and/or sanitation services between September 3, 2013 and December 30, 2016. Consumers who participated in the LADWP solar incentive program also might be eligible for compensation. The LADWP settlement website at www.LADWPBillingSettlement.com states “You may be entitled to Settlement benefits if you are an LADWP customer who was overcharged for electric, water, sewage or sanitation services or were otherwise damaged from billing practices between the dates of September 3, 2013 and December 30, 2016, and/or for participation in the LADWP’s solar incentive program from February 13, 2010.”
The overcharging section of the class action lawsuit includes blatant overbilling that concerns incorrect rates and inaccurate consumption. LADWP also faces allegations that the utility charged incorrect fees and refused to refund outstanding balances.
Class members that want to contest any part of the settlement or decide not to join the lawsuit have until June 5, 2017 to take action. Potential awards for class members depend on several factors, which the LADWP class action website clearly defines. Class members must provide documentation that supports the overbilling claims. The deadline for filing a claim form is June 5, 2017, with final hearing for the case scheduled for July 7, 2017. Jack Landskroner of Landskroner Grieco Merriman LLC and Michael J. Libman of the law office of Michael J. Libman represent the plaintiffs in the LADWP class action lawsuit. The City of Los Angeles has appointed three attorneys to represent the utility.
