How to pay your California Department of Water and Power bill
The California Department of Water and Power (DWP) accepts bill payments through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers. The fastest method is online through your DWP account, which processes when ready and shows on your bill right away. If you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check, call their automated phone line, or visit a local payment location.
Your bill payment is due by the date printed on your statement. If you pay after that date, DWP may charge a late fee. The amount you owe appears on the front of your bill, and you can pay the full amount or make a partial payment at any time.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through your DWP account is the fastest method and shows as paid when ready without processing delays.
- You can pay by phone at DWP's automated line, by mail with a check, or in person at a payment center or authorized retailer.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods except in-person payments at DWP offices.
- Late payments trigger a late fee, so paying by the due date shown on your statement avoids extra charges.
- If you cannot pay the full amount, you can make a partial payment and pay the rest later without penalty.
Paying online through your DWP account
Log in to your account at dwp.com using your account number and password. If you do not have an online account, you can create one by entering your account number and service address. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" and enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay the full balance or a partial amount.
DWP accepts payment by debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer. Credit and debit card payments may include a convenience fee charged by the payment processor, not by DWP. Bank account transfers (ACH) have no fee. After you submit your payment, you will see a confirmation number on screen. The payment posts to your account when ready, though it may take one to two business days to appear on your next bill statement.
Paying by phone
Call DWP's automated payment line at 1-800-342-5397. You will need your account number, which is printed on your bill. The system will ask you to enter your account number and the amount you want to pay. You can pay by debit card or credit card only — bank account payments are not available by phone.
The automated system operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call. Write it down or take a screenshot for your records. Like online payments, phone payments post when ready to your account.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to "Los Angeles Department of Water and Power." Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this address changes based on your payment type, so always use the address on your current statement.
Mail payments typically take seven to ten business days to reach DWP and post to your account. To avoid late fees, mail your payment at least ten days before the due date. If you are paying close to the due date, use online or phone payment instead. Do not mail cash.
Paying in person at a DWP office or authorized location
DWP operates payment centers in Los Angeles where you can pay in person with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The main payment center is located at 111 North Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Hours vary by location, so check dwp.com for the office nearest you and its hours before you go.
You can also pay at authorized retailers throughout Los Angeles, including some grocery stores and check-cashing locations. These retailers accept cash and debit cards but may charge a small fee. Ask the retailer what payment methods they accept and whether they charge a fee before you pay.
Setting up automatic payments
If you want to pay the same amount every month without logging in each time, you can set up automatic payments through your online account. Log in, go to "Billing and Payment," and select "Autopay." Choose the amount, the day of the month you want it to pay, and whether you want to pay from your bank account or card.
Automatic payments are deducted on the day you choose each month. You can change or cancel autopay at any time through your account. If your bill amount varies month to month, you can set autopay to pay a fixed amount toward your bill, or you can turn it off and pay manually when your bill changes.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill
You can pay any amount, even if it is less than what you owe. Partial payments reduce what you owe but do not prevent a late fee if the full amount is not paid by the due date. If you are struggling to pay your bill, contact DWP directly to ask about payment plans or hardship programs that may be available to you.
DWP also offers programs for low-income households that may reduce your bill amount. Call 1-800-342-5397 and ask to speak with a representative about your options, or visit dwp.com to learn about income-based programs in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to pay my DWP bill online?
There is no fee if you pay by bank account transfer (ACH). Credit and debit card payments include a convenience fee set by the payment processor, usually 2 to 3 percent of the amount you pay. The fee is added to your payment, not charged separately.
How long does it take for my payment to show up on my bill?
Online and phone payments post when ready to your account and show as paid right away. Mail payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and process. In-person payments at a DWP office post the same day; payments at authorized retailers may take one to two business days.
What happens if I pay late?
DWP charges a late fee if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill. The late fee is a percentage of your bill amount. If you are more than 30 days late, DWP may disconnect your service. Contact DWP when ready if you think you will miss the due date.
Can I pay someone else's DWP bill?
Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person using their account number. The payment will be credited to their account regardless of whose name is on the payment method.
What if I do not have an online account?
You can pay without an online account by phone, mail, or in person. You will need your account number, which is on your bill. To create an online account for future payments, visit dwp.com and select "Create Account," then enter your account number and service address.