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From Ashes to Lights On: ABC7 Steps In for Fire Victim
Palisades Fire Victim Finally Gets Power After News Story Sparks Action
The Big Problem: A Home Without Electricity
Imagine this: You’ve just rebuilt your home after a devastating fire. You’re excited to move back in. But there’s one huge problem — the lights won’t turn on.
That’s exactly what happened to Jack Nguyen and his family in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. After losing their home in the Palisades Fire, they spent a year and a half rebuilding. When they were finally ready to move in, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) wouldn’t turn on their electricity.
Important Point: LADWP is the city-owned utility company that provides water and electricity to Los Angeles residents.
Why Was This So Frustrating?
Jack Nguyen explained the situation perfectly:
- They’d already been "through hell" — literally surviving a massive wildfire
- They expected the bureaucracy to be faster for fire victims rebuilding their lives
- Instead, it got worse — some neighbors waited seven weeks just to get power turned on
- They had to live in their new home without proper electricity for days
The family only had "low-wattage temporary power" — the kind used during construction. It wasn’t enough for normal family life (think: no air conditioning, limited appliances, basically camping in your own house).
How They Got Help: The "7 On Your Side" Team
When dealing with a big utility company got them nowhere, the Nguyens did something smart:
Steps They Took:
- Reached out to ABC7’s "On Your Side" consumer help team
- Shared their story publicly — the news station aired a report about their situation
- Waited for results — and they came fast!
The Results: Action Within Days
After the news story aired, things changed dramatically:
| Before News Story | After News Story (10 Days Later) |
|---|---|
| No response from LADWP | Put on installation schedule |
| Weeks of waiting | Power finally turned on |
| Living without AC/comfort | "Feels like we’re home" |
| No one listening | Phone call from LA Mayor Karen Bass |
Jack Nguyen said: "Your news story clearly lit a fire under the appropriate people."
The Mayor Gets Involved
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass personally called Jack Nguyen after seeing the story. She:
- Wanted to hear about their specific situation
- Promised to help with DWP issues going forward
- Told him to contact her directly if any future problems arise
The Bigger Concern: What About Everyone Else?
Jack Nguyen didn’t just think about himself. During his call with the Mayor, he asked:
"If I’m having this much trouble getting power for ONE house, what happens when DOZENS of homes are finished in the coming months?"
This is a systemic issue — not just one family’s bad luck. Many Palisades Fire victims are rebuilding simultaneously, and the utility company needs to be ready.
Current Status: LADWP Hasn’t Explained
ABC7 reached out to LADWP asking:
- What are they doing to help fire victims get power faster?
- How will they handle the wave of rebuilt homes?
As of this report, LADWP says they’re "working on providing a statement." No concrete answers yet.
Summary: What We Learned
- Rebuilding after a disaster is hard enough — utilities shouldn’t add more delays
- Media attention can pressure big organizations to act faster
- One family’s advocacy helped them AND highlighted a bigger problem for the whole community
- Government officials (like the Mayor) can get involved when issues get public attention
- The system needs fixing before dozens more families face the same wait
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Why did LADWP take so long to turn the power on?
The article doesn’t give a specific reason from LADWP. They haven’t provided an official statement yet. Common reasons for delays include: inspector backlogs, paperwork issues, or crew scheduling — but for fire victims, many feel the process should be prioritized.
What is "temporary construction power"?
It’s a low-capacity electrical connection builders use during construction. It can run basic tools but not a full household (no central AC, electric stove, dryer, EV charger, etc.). It’s not meant for daily living.
How did the news story help?
Public pressure works! When a local news station investigates and broadcasts a problem, organizations often respond faster to avoid bad publicity. The Mayor’s office also got involved after seeing the report.
Can other fire victims do the same thing?
Yes! If you’re a Palisades Fire victim (or any utility customer) facing unreasonable delays:
- Document everything (dates, calls, names)
- Contact the utility’s formal complaint process
- Reach out to local news "consumer help" teams
- Contact your city council member or the Mayor’s office
What should happen next for the community?
Ideally: LADWP creates a fast-track process for fire rebuilds, adds more inspection crews, and communicates clear timelines. The Mayor’s promise to "help with DWP issues going forward" suggests higher-level oversight may be coming.
Originally reported by ABC7 Los Angeles. Copyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.
