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

LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power) accepts payments through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers. The fastest route is their online portal at ladwp.com, where you can pay when ready with a bank account or debit card. If you prefer not to use the internet, you can call their automated payment line at 1-800-342-5397 or visit a local payment center with cash or a check.

You will need your LADWP account number to pay, which appears on your bill. If you are paying someone else's bill, you will also need their account number or service address. Most online and phone payments post to your account the same day if made before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day.

Key Takeaways

  • LADWP's website at ladwp.com lets you pay when ready with a bank account or debit card, and the payment usually posts the same business day.
  • You can pay by phone at 1-800-342-5397 using the automated system, which also accepts bank accounts and debit cards.
  • Payment centers throughout Los Angeles accept cash, checks, and card payments in person, and some are open on Saturdays.
  • Mailing a check takes 7 to 10 business days to reach LADWP and post to your account, so plan ahead if your due date is near.
  • Setting up automatic payments through the LADWP website removes the need to pay manually each month and helps you avoid late fees.

Paying online through the LADWP website

Go to ladwp.com and click "Pay My Bill" in the top menu. You will be asked to enter your account number (a 9-digit number on your bill) and your service address or ZIP code to locate your account. Once your account appears, you will see your current balance and due date.

Click "Make a Payment" and choose your payment method: bank account (ACH transfer) or debit or credit card. Bank account payments have no fee. Card payments charge a fee that LADWP displays before you confirm—typically 2.5 to 3 percent of the amount. Enter the payment amount, review the details, and submit. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. The payment usually posts within one business day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a weekday.

Paying by phone with the automated system

Call 1-800-342-5397 to reach LADWP's automated payment line. The system will ask you to enter your account number using your phone keypad. Have your account number ready—it is on your bill or in any LADWP notice you received.

Once your account is located, the system will read your balance and due date aloud. You can then choose to pay with a bank account or debit or credit card. If you use a card, the system will disclose the fee before charging you. The payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number by phone. Like online payments, phone payments typically post within one business day.

Paying in person at LADWP payment centers

LADWP operates payment centers throughout Los Angeles where you can pay with cash, check, or card. The main payment center is located at 111 North Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Several neighborhood payment centers have different hours, and some are open on Saturday mornings.

Bring your bill or account number and your payment method. If paying by check, make it payable to "LADWP." Cash and check payments are processed when ready, and you will receive a receipt. Card payments may charge a fee. You can find the full list of payment center locations and hours on the LADWP website under "Pay My Bill."

Paying by mail

You can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your bill. Write your account number on the check. Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to reach LADWP and post to your account, so send your payment well before your due date to avoid a late fee.

Do not send cash by mail. If you are mailing from outside the Los Angeles area, allow extra time. LADWP's mailing address is usually listed on your bill under "Payment Address" or "Make Checks Payable To."

Setting up automatic payments

You can set up automatic monthly payments through the LADWP website so your bill is paid without you having to act each month. Log into your account at ladwp.com, go to "Billing & Account," and select "Automatic Payments." Choose your payment method (bank account or card), the amount, and the date each month when the payment should be withdrawn.

Bank account payments have no fee and are the most common choice. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account. This option is useful if you want to avoid late fees and do not want to remember to pay each month.

What to do if you cannot pay the full amount

If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact LADWP before the due date to discuss your options. You may be able to set up a payment plan, request a due date extension, or learn about programs that help customers with financial hardship. Call 1-800-342-5397 during business hours to speak with a representative.

Paying late will result in a late fee added to your account. If your bill remains unpaid for 30 days or more, LADWP may disconnect your service. Reaching out early gives you the best chance to work out an arrangement before disconnection becomes a risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to pay my LADWP bill online?

There is no fee if you pay with a bank account (ACH transfer). Credit and debit card payments charge a fee of roughly 2.5 to 3 percent of the amount, which LADWP shows you before you confirm the payment. In-person and mail payments have no fee.

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

Online and phone payments usually post within one business day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a weekday. In-person payments post when ready. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and process.

Can I pay someone else's LADWP bill?

Yes. You will need their account number or service address to locate their account on the LADWP website or phone system. You can then pay their bill using your own payment method. In person, you can also pay another person's bill if you have their account number.

What happens if I miss my due date?

A late fee is added to your account. If your bill remains unpaid for 30 days or more, LADWP may disconnect your water and power service. Contact LADWP before the due date if you think you will miss it—they may offer a payment plan or extension.

Can I set up automatic payments for a partial amount each month?

Yes. When you set up automatic payments through the LADWP website, you can choose any amount you want, not just the full bill. However, if you pay less than the full amount, interest and late fees may still explore to the unpaid balance.