How to pay your LADWP bill

You can pay your Los Angeles Department of Water and Power bill online through your LADWP account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The fastest and most convenient method is online through ladwp.com — you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments from your bank account. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call LADWP's payment line at 1-800-342-5397 to pay by phone with a debit or credit card.

Payment centers are located throughout Los Angeles and accept cash, checks, and cards. You can find the nearest location on the LADWP website or by calling customer service. If you mail a check, send it to the address printed on your bill and allow at least 10 business days for it to arrive and post to your account. Whichever method you choose, your payment is due by the date shown on your bill to avoid a late charge.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through ladwp.com is the fastest option and lets you pay immediately without fees.
  • You can set up automatic monthly payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month without you having to remember.
  • Phone payments (1-800-342-5397) work if you do not have internet, but credit or debit card fees may apply.
  • Payment centers accept cash and checks, but you need to visit in person and allow time to get there.
  • Mailed checks take 10 business days to process, so send them early if your due date is soon.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting your due date and incurring a late fee. Log into your LADWP account online, go to the "Billing" or "Payments" section, and select "Enroll in Automatic Payment." You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number, or a debit or credit card number. LADWP will deduct the full bill amount on the due date each month.

If your bill amount varies month to month (which is common for water and power), the payment will adjust automatically. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account, and you will receive a confirmation email each time a payment is processed. This method has no additional fees and is the most reliable way to stay current.

Understanding your bill due date and late charges

Your bill due date is printed on the front of your bill statement, usually 20 to 30 days after the bill is issued. If you do not pay by that date, LADWP will add a late charge to your next bill. The late charge is a percentage of your unpaid balance and increases if the bill remains unpaid for longer.

If you are having trouble paying on time, contact LADWP customer service before the due date. They can discuss payment plans, budget billing options, or information about assistance programs that may help reduce your bill. Waiting until after the due date passes makes it harder to avoid the charge.

Paying in person at LADWP payment centers

LADWP operates payment centers in multiple neighborhoods across Los Angeles where you can pay your bill in person. These locations accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. You do not need an appointment — walk in during business hours, bring your bill or account number, and pay at the counter.

Payment centers are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours. Check the LADWP website or call 1-800-342-5397 to confirm the hours and location nearest you. Paying in person means your payment posts immediately, so this is a good option if your due date is very soon.

Paying by mail

If you prefer to mail a check, write your account number on the check and send it to the address printed on your bill. Use a regular envelope with a stamp — LADWP does not provide prepaid envelopes. Mail typically takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date to ensure it arrives on time.

Keep a record of when you mailed the check. If your payment does not appear on your account within 15 days, contact LADWP to confirm it was received. Mailing a check is slower than other methods, so it is best used only if you do not have access to online, phone, or in-person payment options.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact LADWP before the deadline. Customer service can discuss a payment plan that spreads your balance over several months, which stops a late charge from being added. You will need to pay a portion of the bill on time and agree to pay the rest on scheduled dates.

LADWP also offers budget billing, which averages your annual usage and charges you the same amount each month. This makes bills more predictable and easier to budget for. Additionally, LADWP has assistance programs for low-income households that may reduce your bill amount. Call 1-800-342-5397 to ask about these options before you fall behind.

Checking your payment status online

After you make a payment, you can check that it posted to your account by logging into your LADWP account online. Online payments typically appear within one business day. Phone and in-person payments usually post the same day or next business day. Mailed checks take longer — usually 5 to 10 business days after arrival.

If a payment does not appear within the expected timeframe, log into your account and look at your payment history. If it still does not show, contact LADWP customer service with the date and amount you paid. Keep your receipt or confirmation number from the payment until you see it posted to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my LADWP bill with a credit card online?

Yes, you can pay with a credit or debit card through ladwp.com. There is no fee for debit card payments, but credit card payments may have a small processing fee. The fee amount varies, so check before you complete the transaction.

What happens if I miss my due date?

A late charge will be added to your next bill. The longer the bill remains unpaid, the larger the charge becomes. If you miss the due date, contact LADWP right away to set up a payment plan and stop service from being disconnected.

Can I pay someone else's LADWP bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. Pay online, by phone, or in person using their account number instead of yours. The payment will post to their account.

How do I change my payment due date?

You cannot change your due date, which is set by LADWP's billing cycle. However, you can set up automatic payments to deduct on the due date automatically, so you do not have to remember to pay.

Is there a fee for paying online?

No fee for debit card or bank account payments online. Credit card payments may have a processing fee. Phone and in-person payments may also have fees depending on the payment method — ask before you pay.