LADWP Urges Customers to Treat Utility Workers with Respect and Kindness as They Perform Essential Functions

Los Angeles, CA (May 20, 2026) - Two employees of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) were recently threatened verbally and with a firearm by a customer while performing official duties at a private residence in a Westside neighborhood. While both employees are unharmed and were aided by LADWP Security and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), LADWP reminds customers that utility workers have the right to access equipment on private property including service meters and power poles. Please treat them respectfully and with kindness.

The field employees who were working in a pair were on-site to perform a scheduled water shutoff when the incident occurred. Upon being confronted and threatened both representatives immediately relocated to a safe location and contacted authorities and LADWP Security.

All LADWP employees who work in our communities play a vital role in maintaining reliable water and power services for our customers in our service area. Their responsibilities often require accessing portions of private property to read or inspect meters and utility equipment, perform essential work, verify service conditions, and initiate or discontinue service when necessary.

A customer's water and/or electric meter is the sole property of the LADWP, and the Department retains the legal right of ingress and egress to access, inspect, maintain, or replace the meter as necessary.

Customers are asked to provide safe, unobstructed access and treat utility workers with respect. We urge that customers never threaten or interfere with LADWP employees' work while performing their duties. Any threats or acts of violence toward employees are unacceptable and will be taken seriously.

"It's a growing problem, and we want to communicate the importance of employee safety and treating our field employees and crews respectfully," said LADWP Director of Advanced Technologies Infrastructure Kevin Mount. "It's part of our regular course of business to access our equipment on private property. In the age of scammers and impostors, we understand why customers may be hesitant to allow anyone on property, but this does not warrant hostility. If in doubt, you can verify our visit by requesting to see an official badge or call us directly before granting access. Your safety and the safety of our employees are top of mind for us."

While field operations can involve inherent risks, LADWP remains committed to maintaining strong safety protocols, advancing effective solutions, and working closely with law enforcement partners, when need, to ensure employee protection. The Department is developing additional customer outreach efforts to reinforce awareness around employee safety and equipment accessibility requirements, ensuring LADWP can continue to prioritize employee safety while delivering reliable essential services to every household and business in the communities it serves.

If customers are ever unsure whether someone on their property is a legitimate LADWP employee, they should verify identification by checking for official credentials or by calling the LADWP Customer Contact Center at 1-800-DIAL-DWP. LADWP can confirm employee or contractor visits for added assurance. Our priority remains the safety of our employees and the communities we serve.

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