How to Pay Your LADWP Bill Online, by Mail, or in Person

LADWP offers multiple ways to pay your water and power bill each month

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) lets you pay through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment centers. Each method works the same way — your payment goes toward your account balance — but they differ in speed, fees, and how much advance notice you need to give before your due date. Knowing which method fits your situation can help you avoid late fees and service interruptions.

Your bill shows a due date, usually 20 days from the date LADWP mailed it. If you pay after that date, LADWP charges a late fee. The method you choose does not change the due date or the amount owed, only when and how the money reaches LADWP's system.

Key Takeaways

• LADWP's website and mobile app let you pay when ready with a bank account or debit card, with no fee for bank transfers but a small fee for credit cards.
• Phone payment through LADWP's automated system or a representative works 24/7 but charges a fee for all payment methods.
• Mailing a check or money order takes 7 to 10 business days to reach LADWP, so you must send it well before your due date to avoid a late fee.
• In-person payment at an LADWP office or authorized retailer like a grocery store or check-cashing business posts to your account the same day.
• Setting up autopay through your bank account removes the need to remember your due date and costs nothing.

Paying online through the LADWP website or app

Go to ladwp.com and sign into your account, or read the LADWP mobile app and log in there. Both let you pay when ready. You can use a bank account (no fee), a debit card (small fee), or a credit card (higher fee). LADWP displays the exact fee before you confirm the payment, so you see the total before your money leaves.

Online payment posts to your account within one business day. If you pay before midnight on your due date, you will not be charged a late fee. The website also shows your current balance, past bills, and payment history, so you can check what you owe before you pay.

If you set up a username and password during your first visit, you can skip the login step next time. LADWP also lets you save your bank account or card details for faster checkout on future payments, though you do not have to.

Paying by phone

Call LADWP's automated payment line at 1-800-342-5397 to pay 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will need your account number (on your bill) and a debit card, credit card, or bank account. The system charges a fee for every payment method, including bank transfers, so phone payment costs more than online payment.

A representative can also take your payment over the phone during business hours. Call the same number and ask to speak to someone. Representatives can answer questions about your bill or account while processing your payment, which the automated system cannot do.

Phone payments post within one business day, the same as online payments. The fee is charged when ready, so your total payment (bill amount plus fee) leaves your account right away.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order, include your account number on the back, and mail it to the address printed on your bill. Do not send cash. LADWP's mailing address changes based on which payment type you are sending, so check your bill for the correct address before you mail anything.

Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach LADWP after you drop it in a mailbox. LADWP considers a payment late if it arrives after your due date, even if you mailed it before the due date. To be safe, mail your payment at least 10 business days before the due date. If you are cutting it close, use a faster payment method instead.

Once LADWP receives your check, it posts to your account within 2 to 3 business days. There is no fee for paying by mail.

Paying in person at LADWP offices and authorized retailers

LADWP operates payment centers in Los Angeles where you can pay in person with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Find the nearest office at ladwp.com or call 1-800-342-5397 for hours and locations. Payment posts to your account the same day you pay.

You can also pay at authorized retailers — grocery stores, check-cashing businesses, and convenience stores in the LADWP service area. These locations accept cash and check only, not cards. Ask the cashier if they accept LADWP payments before you get in line. Payment posts within one business day.

In-person payment is useful if you need your payment to post quickly or if you prefer not to use online or phone methods. There is no fee for paying in person at an LADWP office, though some third-party retailers may charge a small fee.

Setting up automatic payments from your bank account

Autopay removes the need to remember your due date. You can set it up through the LADWP website by logging into your account, going to the payment section, and selecting "Autopay." Choose your bank account and the day of the month you want LADWP to withdraw your payment. There is no fee.

LADWP withdraws the full amount due each month on the date you choose. If your bill amount changes, the withdrawal amount changes too. You can pause or cancel autopay anytime through your account settings.

Autopay takes the payment from your bank account on the date you set, so make sure you have enough money in your account that day. If the withdrawal fails because of insufficient funds, LADWP will try again, but you may be charged a late fee if the payment does not go through before your due date.

What to do if you miss a payment or cannot pay on time

If your payment is late, LADWP adds a late fee to your bill. If you are more than 60 days late, LADWP may shut off your water or power. Call LADWP when ready at 1-800-342-5397 if you cannot pay by the due date. A representative can discuss payment plans or other options with you.

LADWP offers extended payment plans for customers who cannot pay their full bill at once. You make smaller payments over several months instead of one large payment. A representative can set this up over the phone or through your online account.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, LADWP also has information programs. Call 1-800-342-5397 and ask about programs for low-income households or customers facing hardship. The representative can explain what programs may be available and what information you will need to provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee for paying online with my bank account?

No. LADWP charges no fee when you pay through their website or app using a direct bank transfer. Debit and credit card payments do charge a fee, which LADWP shows you before you confirm the payment.

How long does it take for a mailed check to post to my account?

Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to reach LADWP after you mail it, then 2 to 3 more business days to post. Plan for 10 to 13 business days total. LADWP charges a late fee if the payment arrives after your due date, so mail payments at least 10 business days early.

Can I pay someone else's LADWP bill?

Yes. You can pay online, by phone, or in person using someone else's account number. You do not need to be the account holder. Online payment requires a username and password, so you may need to ask the account holder for their login information, or you can pay by phone or in person instead.

What happens if my autopay payment fails?

LADWP will attempt the withdrawal again. If it fails a second time, you will receive a notice. You should pay manually right away to avoid a late fee. Make sure your bank account has enough funds on the day autopay is scheduled to withdraw.

Can I change my due date?

LADWP sets your due date based on your meter reading schedule, and you cannot change it. However, you can choose the day of the month your autopay payment withdraws, which can be different from your bill's due date. If you set autopay to withdraw before your due date, you will never be late.