The fastest way to pay LADWP is online through their website or mobile app, which processes same-day if you pay before 5 p.m. Pacific Time

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) offers several ways to pay your water and power bill, and the method you choose affects how quickly the payment posts and whether you pay a fee. Online payment through their website or the LADWP mobile app is the most common route — it's free, you see your payment confirm when ready, and it counts as received the same day if submitted before the 5 p.m. cutoff. Phone payment and in-person payment at a local office are also available, though phone payments may carry a fee depending on the payment method you use.

Your bill arrives by mail or email depending on your account settings, and it shows your account number, the amount due, and the due date. You'll need your account number to pay, which appears on the bill itself or in your online account. Payments are due by 5 p.m. on the due date to avoid a late charge, and LADWP considers a payment received on the date it is processed, not the date you initiate it.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the LADWP website or mobile app is free and processes same-day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
  • Phone payment through an automated system or a representative is available 24/7, but may charge a fee depending on whether you use a credit card or bank account.
  • In-person payment at an LADWP payment center or authorized retailer (like a grocery store) is free but requires you to travel to a physical location.
  • Your account number appears on your bill and is required for any payment method you choose.
  • Payments are considered received on the date they are processed, not the date you submit them, so plan ahead if your due date falls on a weekend or holiday.

Paying online through the LADWP website or app

Go to ladwp.com and log into your account using your account number and password, or create an account if you don't have one. Once logged in, select "Pay My Bill" or a similar option in the account menu. You'll see your current balance and due date. Enter the amount you want to pay (you can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or set up automatic payments for future bills), then choose your payment method — bank account or debit card. Credit cards typically incur a processing fee, so check the fee amount before confirming.

After you submit the payment, the system will show you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you'll need it if you need to contact LADWP about the payment later. The payment posts to your account the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific Time. If you submit after 5 p.m., it will post the next business day. The LADWP mobile app works the same way and is available on iOS and Android devices.

Paying by phone

Call LADWP's automated payment line at 1-800-342-5397 to pay 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Have your account number and payment method ready. The automated system will walk you through entering your account number, confirming your balance, and selecting a payment amount. You can pay with a bank account (no fee) or a debit or credit card (fees explore). After you complete the payment, the system will provide a confirmation number — save this for your records.

If you prefer to speak with a representative, call the same number and select the option to speak with someone. Representatives are available during business hours, which vary by season. Payments made by phone are processed the same day if submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific Time, and the same-day processing applies whether you use the automated system or speak with a person. A fee applies if you pay with a credit card; paying from a bank account has no fee.

Paying in person at an LADWP office or authorized location

LADWP operates payment centers in Los Angeles where you can pay in cash, check, or debit card in person. The main payment center is located downtown, and several smaller offices are spread across the service area. You can find the nearest location and hours on the LADWP website under "Payment Centers" or by calling 1-800-342-5397. Bring your bill or account number and your payment method. In-person payments are free regardless of payment method.

You can also pay at authorized retailers throughout Los Angeles, such as grocery stores and check-cashing services. These locations accept cash and check payments and charge no fee. Ask the cashier if they accept LADWP payments, and bring your account number. In-person payments are typically processed the same day, though some retailers may have different processing times — ask when you pay.

Setting up automatic payments

If you want to avoid thinking about your bill each month, you can set up automatic payments through the LADWP website or by calling 1-800-342-5397. Automatic payments deduct money from your bank account on a date you choose — usually around your due date. You can set it up to pay the full balance each month or a fixed amount. Once set up, the payment happens automatically each billing cycle until you cancel it.

To set up automatic payments online, log into your account, go to "Pay My Bill," and look for an option like "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments." You'll enter your bank account information and choose the payment date and amount. To set up by phone, call 1-800-342-5397 and a representative will walk you through the process. Automatic payments from a bank account have no fee.

What to do if you miss a payment or can't pay on time

If your payment doesn't arrive by 5 p.m. on the due date, LADWP will charge a late fee. The amount of the late fee depends on your bill amount and is shown on your next bill. If you know you'll be late, contact LADWP before the due date to ask about a payment arrangement or extension. Call 1-800-342-5397 and explain your situation — they may be able to work with you to avoid a late fee or set up a payment plan.

If you're struggling to pay your bill, LADWP offers programs for low-income households, including bill discounts and information with arrears (past-due amounts). These programs have separate process processes and income limits. Contact LADWP directly or visit their website to learn about programs in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online payments submitted before 5 p.m. Pacific Time post to your account the same day. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. post the next business day. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready after submitting the payment, which you can use to track it.

Is there a fee to pay my LADWP bill online?

No fee if you pay from a bank account. If you use a credit card, LADWP charges a processing fee, which is shown before you confirm the payment. Debit cards typically have no fee, but check the fee disclosure to be sure.

What if I pay my bill but it still shows as late?

Payments are considered received on the date they are processed, not the date you submit them. If you submit a payment after 5 p.m., it won't post until the next business day, which may be after your due date. To avoid this, submit payments by 5 p.m. on or before the due date. If a late fee was charged in error, contact LADWP with your confirmation number and they can review it.

Can I pay someone else's LADWP bill?

Yes, if you have their account number. You can pay online, by phone, or in person using their account number. The payment will post to their account. If you're paying for a family member or roommate, make sure you have their permission and their correct account number.

What happens if I don't pay my bill?

If your bill remains unpaid after the due date, LADWP will charge a late fee and may send you a notice. If the account stays unpaid for a longer period, LADWP may disconnect your service. If you're unable to pay, contact LADWP before disconnection to discuss payment options or information programs.