Where to pay your Los Angeles Department of Water and Power bill

You can pay your LADWP bill online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The fastest and most convenient method for most people is the LADWP website or mobile app, where you can pay immediately with a bank account or debit card. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call LADWP's automated phone line, speak to a representative, mail a check, or visit a walk-in payment center in your area.

Each method has different timing — online and phone payments post within one business day, while mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to reach LADWP and be processed. If your bill is due soon, avoid the mail. Payment centers accept cash, checks, and cards, and some accept payments outside normal business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the LADWP website or app is the fastest method and posts within one business day.
  • Phone payments can be made 24/7 through LADWP's automated system or by speaking to a representative during business hours.
  • Mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to process, so mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee.
  • Payment centers accept cash and are located throughout Los Angeles, with some open outside standard business hours.
  • Setting up automatic payments through your bank account prevents missed due dates and late charges.

Paying online through the LADWP website or app

Go to ladwp.com and log into your account, or download the LADWP mobile app from your phone's app store. Enter your account number (found on your bill) and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by providing your account number, service address, and ZIP code.

Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" and choose your payment method — bank account (eCheck) or debit/credit card. Bank account payments are free; card payments charge a fee of around 2.5 percent of the bill amount. Enter the amount you want to pay and confirm. The payment posts within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number immediately and an email receipt.

Paying by phone

Call LADWP's automated payment line at 1-800-342-5397 to pay 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will need your account number and a debit or credit card. The system will guide you through the payment and charge a fee (typically around 2.5 percent). You receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.

If you prefer to speak to a person, call the same number during business hours (usually 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday) and ask to be transferred to a representative. A representative can also help you set up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount due.

Mailing a check or money order

Write your account number on the check or money order and mail it to the address printed on your bill. Do not send cash through the mail. LADWP's mailing address is typically listed on the back of your bill or on the payment stub.

Allow 7 to 10 business days for your payment to arrive and be processed. To avoid a late fee, mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date shown on your bill. If you are cutting it close, use online or phone payment instead — they post the same day or next business day.

Paying in person at LADWP payment centers

LADWP operates payment centers throughout Los Angeles where you can pay in cash, check, or card without a fee. Bring your bill or account number. Payment centers are located in downtown Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and other areas. Hours vary by location, and some centers stay open in the evening or on weekends.

Find the nearest payment center and its hours on the LADWP website under "Payment Centers" or call 1-800-342-5397. Payment posts the same day you make it in person. This is the only method that accepts cash without a fee.

Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees

Automatic payments (also called autopay) deduct your bill amount from your bank account on a date you choose, usually a few days before the due date. You set this up once through the LADWP website, app, or by phone, and it repeats every billing cycle.

Autopay is free when you use a bank account (eCheck). You can change the payment date, pause it, or cancel it anytime. This method eliminates the risk of forgetting to pay and triggering a late fee. If your bill amount varies month to month, you can set autopay to pay a fixed amount or the full balance — you choose.

What happens if you miss the due date

LADWP charges a late fee if your payment is not received by the due date printed on your bill. The late fee is typically a percentage of your bill amount. If you miss the due date, pay as soon as possible — the sooner you pay, the lower your total charges will be.

If you cannot pay the full amount, contact LADWP at 1-800-342-5397 to discuss a payment plan. LADWP offers extended payment arrangements for customers facing hardship. You must request this before your account is disconnected. Disconnection typically occurs 60 to 90 days after the due date if the bill remains unpaid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to pay my LADWP bill online?

No fee if you pay from a bank account (eCheck). Credit and debit card payments charge a fee of around 2.5 percent of your bill. Phone and in-person payments at centers are also free if you use a bank account or pay in cash.

How long does it take for my online payment to show up?

Online and phone payments post within one business day. In-person payments at a center post the same day. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days. Do not assume your payment has posted until you see it reflected in your account balance on the LADWP website.

Can I pay someone else's LADWP bill?

Yes. You can pay online or by phone using the account number of the person whose bill you are paying. You do not need to be the account holder. In person, bring the account number and a form of payment.

What if I pay too much by mistake?

LADWP will credit the overpayment to your next bill. If you want a refund instead, contact LADWP at 1-800-342-5397 and request one. Refunds typically take 2 to 4 weeks to arrive.

Can I set up autopay if I do not have a bank account?

Autopay requires a bank account or debit card. If you do not have either, pay online with a credit card, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center.