DWP Los Angeles bill pay basics

The Department of Water and Power (DWP) serves Los Angeles and some surrounding areas. You can pay your DWP bill through several channels: online at their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. Most people pay online because it's available 24/7 and you can set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date.

Your bill arrives monthly and shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date. The due date is typically 21 days after the bill date. If you pay after the due date, DWP charges a late fee. If you don't pay within 60 days of the due date, DWP may disconnect your service.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay online at ladwp.com, by phone at 1-800-342-5397, by mail, or at a DWP payment center in Los Angeles.
  • Online payments and automatic payments process when ready or within one business day, while mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to reach DWP.
  • Setting up automatic payments from your bank account removes the risk of late fees and service disconnection.
  • If you cannot pay your full bill, contact DWP about payment plans or hardship programs before your account falls 60 days behind.

Paying online or setting up automatic payments

Go to ladwp.com and look for "Pay My Bill" or "Online Bill Pay" on the homepage. You'll need your account number (found on your bill) and either a bank account or debit/credit card. Enter your payment amount and choose a payment date. Online payments from a bank account are free and usually post within one business day. Payments by debit or credit card may carry a processing fee, which DWP will show you before you confirm.

To set up automatic payments, choose the same payment method and select the option to recur monthly. DWP will deduct the amount from your account on the same day each month. You can change or stop automatic payments anytime through your online account, but you must do so before the scheduled payment date.

Paying by phone or mail

Call DWP at 1-800-342-5397 to pay by phone with a debit or credit card. A representative will take your account number and payment information. Phone payments are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time, and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. You may be charged a processing fee for phone payments.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to "City of Los Angeles DWP" and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 days to arrive and post to your account, so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late fee.

Paying in person at a DWP payment center

DWP operates payment centers in Los Angeles where you can pay cash, check, or debit card in person. The main payment center is located at 111 North Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Bring your account number or bill with you.

You can also pay at authorized payment locations throughout Los Angeles, including some grocery stores and check-cashing services. DWP's website lists all authorized payment locations and their hours. In-person payments are posted to your account the same day or the next business day.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill

If you're having trouble paying, contact DWP before your account falls behind. DWP offers payment plans that let you spread your bill over several months. You can request a payment plan by calling 1-800-342-5397 or visiting a payment center in person. DWP will work with you to set up a plan based on what you can afford.

DWP also has hardship programs for customers facing financial difficulty. These programs may reduce your bill or provide other support. To learn about hardship options, ask about them when you call to discuss a payment plan, or visit the DWP website to see what programs may be available in your situation.

Late payments and service disconnection

If you don't pay by the due date, DWP adds a late fee to your next bill. The late fee is a percentage of your unpaid balance. If your account remains unpaid 60 days after the due date, DWP may send a disconnection notice. The notice gives you a final important date to pay or arrange a payment plan before service is shut off.

If your service is disconnected, you must pay the full unpaid balance plus a reconnection fee to restore service. Reconnection typically happens within one business day of payment. To avoid disconnection, contact DWP as soon as you know you'll miss a payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can pay with a credit or debit card through ladwp.com or by phone. DWP charges a processing fee for credit and debit card payments, which varies based on the payment amount. Bank account payments online are free.

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

Online payments from a bank account usually post within one business day. Credit and debit card payments may take slightly longer. If you pay after 5 p.m. Pacific Time, the payment may not process until the next business day.

What happens if I set up automatic payments but don't have enough money in my account?

If your bank account doesn't have enough funds when an automatic payment is scheduled, the payment will fail and your bank may charge you an overdraft fee. DWP will not retry the payment automatically. Contact DWP to reschedule or set up a different payment method.

Can I pay someone else's DWP bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill online or by phone if you have their account number. You do not need to be the account holder. Provide the account number and payment amount, and the payment will be credited to that account.

Is there a way to lower my DWP bill if I'm struggling to pay?

DWP offers payment plans and hardship programs for customers facing financial difficulty. Call 1-800-342-5397 to discuss your situation and learn what options may be available. Some programs can reduce your bill or provide information with past-due amounts.