Palisades Fire victim credits ABC7 for helping him get power turned on at rebuilt home

PACIFIC PALISADES, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- When a Pacific Palisades family wanted to move into their newly rebuilt home, they needed the electricity turned on. After getting nowhere with the power company, they turned to ABC7 On Your Side.

Out of all the hurdles Palisades Fire victim Jack Nguyen has had to overcome over the last year and a half, having the power turned on by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) at his rebuilt home wasn't supposed to be one of them.

"We have been through hell, literally, and you would think that if anything, the bureaucracy would be shortened, and we would be able to ease through the process," Nguyen said. "But, that's clearly not been the case. It seems to me that it's gotten even worse. You hear some of our neighbors who are waiting seven weeks to get their power. I just don't even know how that happens."

Nguyen decided to reach out to 7 On Your Side for help, and after our story aired 10 days ago, Nguyen finally got on LADWP's installation schedule and now has power -- even though he was forced to live in his new home without full power for two days.

"It was a relief because we had waited weeks and weeks for some sort of response," Nguyen said. "It feels like we're home. When we were renting in West L.A., it never felt like home, and to be honest, I never felt comfortable, and I just wanted to get back desperately. That's why we are one of the first ones."

PREVIOUS REPORT: Palisades Fire victim moves into rebuilt home, but says LADWP hasn't turned on power

The Nguyens had low-wattage temporary power installed on their property for construction, but it's not nearly enough for normal use for a family.

After ABC7's story aired, Nguyen also received a phone call from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

"I think she wanted to hear about our particular situation and also how... the responsiveness for the Palisades," Nguyen said. "She said, specifically, she would help out with the DWP issues going forward, and she told me, also, to make her aware of any future issues that arise."

During his phone call with Bass, Nguyen explained another concern. If he's having issues re-energizing his new home, what's going to happen when dozens of homes are complete in the Palisades in the coming months?

ABC7 reached out to LADWP on what they're doing to get Palisades Fire victims back home as quickly as possible. They say they're working on providing us a statement.

"I credit you guys, because without your story, I'm not sure we would be sitting right here in this comfortable AC having this conversation," Nguyen said. "Your news story clearly lit a fire under the appropriate people."