Where to pay your Pasadena Water and Power bill
Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) is the municipal utility serving Pasadena, California. You can pay your bill through several channels: online at their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The fastest and most convenient method for most people is online payment through their customer portal.
To pay online, log into your PWP account at pasadenawaterandpower.com using your account number and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by entering your account number and service address. Once logged in, you can view your current bill, set up automatic payments, or make a one-time payment using a debit card or bank account.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can call PWP's customer service line at (626) 744-4673 to pay by phone with a debit or credit card. Mail payments should be sent to the address listed on your bill. In-person payments are accepted at PWP's office located at 100 North Santa Anita Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91107, though calling ahead to confirm office hours is wise.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the PWP website is the fastest method and lets you see your bill details before paying.
- Phone payments are available by calling (626) 744-4673, and you can use a debit or credit card.
- Automatic payment enrollment prevents late payments and can be set up through your online account.
- Mail and in-person payments are options, but they take longer to process than online or phone methods.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required to pay by phone or to set up online access.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payment is the simplest way to ensure your bill is paid on time every month. PWP allows you to enroll in automatic payment through your online account, and the payment is deducted on or shortly after your bill due date. You can choose to pay from a checking or savings account, which typically has no fee.
To enroll, log into your PWP account, navigate to the payment settings or billing section, and select the automatic payment option. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same portal, and PWP will send you a confirmation email when the payment is processed each month.
If you miss a payment or pay late, PWP may charge a late fee. The exact amount varies, so check your bill or contact customer service for current late fee amounts. Automatic payment eliminates this risk and also removes the need to remember due dates.
Understanding your PWP bill and what you are paying for
Your Pasadena Water and Power bill covers two services: water and electricity. The bill is divided into sections for each service, and each section shows your usage, the rate applied, and the total charge. Understanding these sections helps you spot errors and identify where you can reduce costs.
The water portion shows your consumption in units called hundred cubic feet (HCF). One HCF equals about 748 gallons. PWP uses a tiered rate structure, meaning the price per unit increases as you use more water. Your first tier of usage costs less per unit than your second tier, which encourages conservation. The electricity section works similarly, with usage measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and tiered pricing.
Both services also include fixed charges that do not change month to month — these cover meter reading, billing, and system maintenance. Taxes and any applicable surcharges appear at the bottom of the bill. If you see a charge you do not recognize, call PWP customer service to ask about it before paying.
Payment due dates and what happens if you pay late
Your PWP bill shows a specific due date, usually about 20 days after the bill is issued. Payments received by this date are considered on time. If you pay after the due date, PWP will add a late fee to your next bill. The amount of the late fee is set by PWP and can change, so refer to your bill or call customer service for the current amount.
If your payment is significantly overdue — typically 60 days or more — PWP may issue a notice of intent to disconnect service. This notice gives you a window to pay the full amount owed, including any late fees and disconnect fees, before your water or power is shut off. Reconnection after a disconnection involves additional fees and may take several days to process.
If you are struggling to pay your bill on time, contact PWP before the due date to discuss your options. They offer payment plans for customers facing hardship, and you may also be may be able to access for assistance programs through the city or county.
Payment methods and fees
PWP accepts payment through multiple methods, and most have no fee. Online payments and automatic bank account payments are free. Phone payments by debit or credit card are also free. Mail and in-person payments carry no fee either.
Some third-party payment processors may charge a convenience fee if you use their service to pay PWP, but paying directly through PWP's website or by phone avoids this. If you use a credit card through a third-party processor, you may also face a cash advance fee from your credit card company, so direct payment methods are preferable.
PWP does not accept payment in cash at their office, so bring a check, money order, or debit card if you pay in person. Checks and money orders should be made payable to Pasadena Water and Power.
Checking your account balance and payment history
Your PWP online account shows your current balance, recent payments, and billing history. Log in to view these details at any time. This is useful if you want to confirm a payment was received or check whether you have an outstanding balance before making another payment.
Your account also displays your usage history, which helps you track whether your water or electricity consumption is increasing or decreasing over time. Comparing your current usage to the same month last year can reveal whether a rate change, weather, or a change in your household is affecting your bill.
If you do not have online access and need to check your balance, call customer service at (626) 744-4673. They can tell you your current balance, recent payment dates, and when your next bill is due.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my online payment to process?
Online payments typically process within one to two business days. If you pay close to your due date, allow extra time for processing. Automatic payments are deducted on or shortly after your bill due date and are the most reliable way to ensure on-time payment.
Can I pay my PWP bill with a credit card?
You can pay by credit card through PWP's website or by phone, though some third-party payment processors may charge a convenience fee. Paying directly through PWP's channels or by automatic bank account transfer avoids these extra fees.
What should I do if I cannot pay my bill on time?
Contact PWP customer service before your due date to discuss a payment plan or hardship assistance. They may be able to extend your due date or set up a plan to spread your payment over several months. Waiting until after the due date results in late fees and potential disconnection.
How do I know if my payment was received?
Check your online account, where recent payments appear within one to two business days of processing. You can also call customer service at (626) 744-4673 to confirm receipt. Automatic payments send a confirmation email when deducted.
Can I change my payment method after I have set up automatic payments?
Yes. Log into your online account and navigate to payment settings to update your bank account or cancel automatic payments at any time. Changes take effect on your next scheduled payment date.