Water and Power bills can be paid directly to your utility company through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the primary water and electric utility serving Los Angeles. You can pay your bill through their official website at ladwp.com, by calling their automated payment line, by mailing a check to their lockbox address, or by visiting a payment center in person. Payment is due by the date printed on your bill — typically 18 to 21 days after the bill is issued.
If you receive water or power service from a different utility company in California or elsewhere, the payment methods are similar but the specific website, phone number, and mailing address will differ. Check your bill for your utility's contact information, or search "[your city] water and power bill pay" to find the correct provider and payment portal.
The method you choose affects how quickly your payment is recorded and whether you pay a fee. Online and phone payments usually post within one to two business days. Mailed checks take seven to ten business days to arrive and clear. In-person payments at a payment center typically post the same day.
Key Takeaways
- LADWP bills can be paid online at ladwp.com, by phone at their automated line, by mail to their lockbox address, or in person at payment centers.
- Online and phone payments usually post within one to two business days; mailed checks take seven to ten business days.
- Your bill shows the due date, which is typically 18 to 21 days after the bill is issued.
- Most utility companies do not charge a fee for online or phone payments, but some third-party payment processors may add a small fee.
- If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact your utility company to discuss payment plans or hardship programs before your account falls behind.
Paying online through the LADWP website
The LADWP website at ladwp.com has a "Pay My Bill" section where you can log in with your account number and password, or create an account if you do not have one. You will need your account number, which appears on your bill, and a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or bank account for electronic transfer.
Online payments through the LADWP website do not charge a fee. The payment posts within one to two business days. If you pay after 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day, the transaction may not process until the next business day. Payments made on weekends or holidays process on the next business day.
You can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic recurring payments, where the same amount is charged on the same date each month. Automatic payments are useful if your bill is consistent, but you should review your bill each month to make sure the amount has not changed due to seasonal use or rate increases.
Paying by phone or through automated systems
LADWP's automated phone payment line is available 24 hours a day. You will need your account number and a debit card, credit card, or bank account information. The automated system will confirm the amount and the payment date before charging you. Phone payments do not charge a fee through LADWP's system.
If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can call LADWP's customer service line during business hours. A representative can process your payment over the phone, answer questions about your bill, or discuss payment options if you are behind on your account. Wait times vary depending on call volume.
Some third-party payment processors also accept LADWP payments through their own websites or apps. These processors may charge a convenience fee — typically $1 to $3 — even though LADWP itself does not. Check whether a fee applies before you complete the transaction.
Mailing a check or money order
You can mail a check or money order to the LADWP lockbox address printed on your bill. Write your account number on the check or money order. Mail should be sent to the address on your bill, as LADWP maintains multiple lockboxes and using the correct address ensures your payment reaches the right location.
Mailed payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and clear. If your bill is due in fewer than ten days, mailing a check risks your account being marked late. Late payments may result in a late fee or a notice of disconnection. If you are cutting it close, use online or phone payment instead.
Keep a record of the check number and the date you mailed it. If your payment does not appear on your account within two weeks, contact LADWP customer service with this information so they can trace the payment.
Paying in person at LADWP payment centers
LADWP operates payment centers in Los Angeles where you can pay in cash, check, or card. Payment centers are located in downtown Los Angeles and in several neighborhoods throughout the city. Hours vary by location, but most are open during business hours Monday through Friday. Check the LADWP website for the nearest location and current hours.
In-person payments typically post to your account the same day. Bring your account number or your bill, and bring cash or a payment card. Some payment centers accept checks as well. If you pay in cash, ask for a receipt so you have proof of payment.
Payment centers can be crowded during peak hours, particularly near the due date. If you want to avoid a wait, visit early in the morning or mid-week rather than on the due date itself.
What happens if you miss the due date
If your payment is not received by the due date on your bill, LADWP will charge a late fee. The late fee is a percentage of your bill amount and varies depending on your account type. You will see the late fee added to your next bill.
If your account remains unpaid for 30 days past the due date, LADWP will send a notice of disconnection. This notice gives you a window — usually 10 to 15 days — to pay the full amount owed, including the late fee and any disconnection notice fee, before your water or power service is shut off.
If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact LADWP before your account falls behind. LADWP offers payment plans for customers who are behind on their bills. You may also be able to defer payment or receive information through hardship programs if you meet income requirements. Calling ahead is much better than waiting for a disconnection notice.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting to pay your bill. You can enroll in automatic payments through the LADWP website or by calling customer service. You choose the payment date — many people choose the date their paycheck arrives — and the amount is charged automatically each month.
Automatic payments work best if your bill amount is relatively stable month to month. If your usage varies significantly by season — for example, if you use much more power in summer for air conditioning — you may want to review your bill each month before the automatic payment processes, so you can adjust the amount if needed.
You can cancel automatic payments at any time through the website or by calling customer service. If you cancel, you will need to resume paying manually by the due date on each bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my LADWP bill with a credit card online without a fee?
Yes, LADWP does not charge a fee for credit card, debit card, or bank account payments made through their official website or phone line. Third-party payment processors may charge a fee, so check before you complete the transaction through a processor other than LADWP's own system.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments through the LADWP website usually post within one to two business days. Payments made after 5 p.m. Pacific time or on weekends and holidays may not process until the next business day. If your payment does not appear within three business days, contact LADWP customer service.
What should I do if I cannot pay my full bill by the due date?
Contact LADWP customer service before your account falls behind. LADWP offers payment plans that spread your bill over several months, and you may be able to defer payment or receive information through hardship programs if you meet income requirements. Calling ahead prevents late fees and disconnection notices.
Can I pay my water and power bill at a grocery store or convenience store?
LADWP does not partner with grocery stores or convenience stores for bill payments. You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person at an LADWP payment center. Some third-party payment processors may accept LADWP payments at their locations, but check their fees first.
What if I pay online but my service gets disconnected anyway?
If you paid online but your service was disconnected, your payment may not have posted yet. Online payments take one to two business days to clear. Contact LADWP when ready with proof of your payment — your confirmation number or receipt — and they can reconnect your service while they verify the payment.