Over 430 Angelenos attended the Cool LA Heat Relief for Seniors events on Oct. 30 and 31 for a chance to receive a free portable air conditioner courtesy of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the Los Angeles Department of Aging, in partnership with the Offices of Los Angeles City Councilwoman Heather Hutt, 10th District, and Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, 8th District, respectively.
The event on Wednesday, Oct. 30 took place at the Michelle and Barack Obama Sport Complex
on the Crenshaw District, with a second event the following morning on Oct. 31 held at the Crenshaw Christian Center in South Los Angeles.
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Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson stated, “Our most vulnerable populations, especially our elders, often bear the brunt of climate emergencies and heat waves. I am happy to partner with the Department of Aging, LADWP, and Crenshaw Christian Center to get air conditioners into the homes of our seniors. Let’s keep up the work to make South L.A. cooler and climate-ready for everyone!”
As Councilwoman Heather Hutt noted, “It is extremely important that the City continue to develop innovative programs and services that meet the evolving needs of our senior population, while ensuring that they have the chance to live an independent and fulfilling life. With the fluctuating weather we’ve been experiencing over the last few months, it’s imperative that everyone stay ready to brace Los Angeles’ hotter temperatures.”
More than 400 energy-efficient portable air conditioning units were distributed between the two events to LADWP customers aged 60 and over who met the requirements for the giveaway. LADWP has distributed over 1,800 air conditioners to L.A. seniors since beginning their Heat Relief for Seniors event series in July. The Cool LA Heat Relief for Seniors event series is part of LADWP’s Powered by Equity initiative, aimed at ensuring that everyone in L.A. can take part in and benefit equitably from the transition to clean energy. These events also helped seniors manage the risk of heat impacts, especially in warmer areas of the city, as summer temperatures rise due to climate change.
While attending the event, guests were able to enroll in utility bill financial assistance programs like Lifeline, EZ-SAVE and Level Pay, and learn about LADWP jobs and benefits. Free COVID and flu vaccines were provided by the L.A. Department of Aging, who also shared information about how older Angelenos can get support with transportation and meals.
President of the Los Angeles Board of Water and Power Commissioners Richard Katz underscored, “LADWP made sure to select air conditioners for these events that made sense for seniors who live alone or are on a budget. These units are easy to use and easy on the pocketbook. They’re ready to go right out of the box – no installation necessary – and they’re efficient units that cost less to run.”
“Air conditioning saves lives,” LADWP Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer Janisse Quiñones emphasized.
“Once considered a luxury, it is now a necessity for staying safe and healthy in L.A.’s increasing heat. LADWP has been proud to host the Cool LA Heat Relief for Seniors event series, uplifting the City’s disadvantaged communities and most vulnerable residents and ensuring that they participate in and benefit from our transition to a clean energy future.”
