How to Pay Your Water and Power Bill

What Water and Power Is and How to Pay It

Water and Power is the Department of Water and Power (DWP), the public utility that supplies water and electricity to Los Angeles and some surrounding areas. If you live in that service area, your bill covers both water usage and electricity usage on a single statement. You can pay online through the DWP website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center.

The bill arrives monthly and shows your water consumption in units called hundred cubic feet (HCF) and your electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Each has its own rate structure, so your total bill combines charges from both services. Late payments trigger a reconnection fee if service is shut off, so paying on time matters more than choosing the payment method.

Your due date appears on the front of your bill, usually 20 to 30 days after the bill date. If you miss the due date, DWP typically allows a grace period before adding a late charge, but the exact number of days varies. Checking your bill when it arrives tells you the important date for your specific account.

Key Takeaways

• Water and Power bills cover both water and electricity usage in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, and you can pay online, by phone, by mail, or at a DWP payment center.
• Your bill shows water usage in hundred cubic feet (HCF) and electricity in kilowatt-hours (kWh), with separate rates for each service.
• The due date appears on your bill statement, and paying late can result in a reconnection fee if your service is shut off.
• You can set up automatic payments through your DWP account to avoid missing a due date.

Paying Online Through Your DWP Account

The fastest way to pay is through the DWP website using your account number and a debit card or bank account. Go to the DWP payment portal, enter your account number (found on your bill), and follow the prompts to log in or create an account. You will see your current balance, due date, and payment history.

When you pay online, the payment posts when ready if you use a debit card, though the funds may take one to two business days to leave your bank account. If you pay from a checking or savings account, DWP processes the payment within one to three business days. Either way, paying online before your due date ensures DWP receives the payment on time.

You can also set up automatic payments through your online account so that a set amount withdraws on the same day each month. This prevents accidental late payments and works with either a debit card or bank account. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings.

Paying by Phone or Mail

To pay by phone, call the DWP customer service number listed on your bill. Have your account number and payment method (debit card or bank account) ready. A representative will process your payment over the phone, and it will post within one to three business days. Phone payments work during business hours and some evenings, depending on the season.

Paying by mail means writing a check or money order, writing your account number on the back, and mailing it to the address shown on your bill. Mail payments take longer to reach DWP — typically five to seven business days — so send your payment at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late charge. Include only the payment stub from your bill, not the entire statement.

If you mail a check and want to confirm it arrived, you can call customer service with your payment amount and the date you mailed it. They can tell you whether the payment has posted to your account.

Paying in Person at a DWP Payment Center

DWP operates payment centers in Los Angeles where you can pay in cash, check, or debit card. The main payment center is downtown, but DWP also accepts payments at authorized payment locations throughout the city. Your bill lists the nearest payment center address, or you can find one on the DWP website.

In-person payments in cash or check post when ready, so you get a receipt on the spot. This method is useful if you do not have a bank account or prefer to pay with cash. Bring your bill or account number so the staff can explore the payment to the correct account. Payment centers have specific hours, so check before you go.

What Happens If You Miss Your Due Date

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, DWP adds a late charge to your next bill. The amount of the late charge depends on your bill total and varies slightly year to year. More importantly, if you do not pay within a certain period after the due date — usually 30 to 60 days — DWP may shut off your water or electricity service.

Once service is shut off, you must pay the full overdue balance plus a reconnection fee to restore it. The reconnection fee is separate from the late charge and can be substantial. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact DWP customer service to ask about payment plans or hardship programs that may be available in your area.

If you receive a shutoff notice, you have a window of time to pay or contact DWP before the service is actually disconnected. The notice will state the exact date and time of the planned shutoff, so act when ready if you receive one.

Setting Up a Payment Plan If You Cannot Pay in Full

If your bill is overdue and you cannot pay the full amount at once, call DWP customer service to discuss a payment plan. DWP may allow you to split the balance into smaller monthly payments over several months, which keeps your service from being shut off while you catch up.

To set up a plan, you will need to provide information about your income and expenses so DWP can determine what monthly payment you can afford. The plan typically requires you to pay on time each month, and if you miss a payment, the plan may be cancelled and shutoff proceedings may resume.

Some areas also have utility information programs run by nonprofits or local government that can help pay part of your bill if you meet income requirements. DWP customer service can direct you to these programs if you ask.

Understanding Your Bill and Finding Your Account Number

Your Water and Power bill shows your account number in the top right corner, usually a nine-digit number. This number is what you need to pay online, by phone, or in person. If you lose your bill, you can find your account number by logging into your online DWP account or by calling customer service with your name and service address.

The bill also breaks down your charges by service: water charges appear in one section, and electricity charges in another. Each section shows your usage, the rate per unit, and the total charge. Understanding this breakdown helps you spot errors and see whether your usage is higher or lower than usual.

If you notice a charge you do not recognize or believe your usage is incorrect, contact DWP customer service before you pay. They can explain the charge or investigate a possible meter error. Paying the bill does not prevent you from disputing a charge later, but reporting it right away speeds up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Water and Power bill with a credit card?

DWP does not accept credit cards directly through their website or payment centers. You can pay with a debit card, bank account, check, or cash. Some third-party payment processors may allow credit card payments, but they typically charge a fee on top of your bill amount.

How long does it take for an online payment to post?

Debit card payments post when ready to your DWP account, though the funds may take one to two business days to leave your bank. Bank account payments take one to three business days to post. If you pay before 5 p.m. on a business day, it usually posts the same day or the next morning.

What if I pay my bill twice by accident?

If you make a duplicate payment, DWP will credit the extra amount to your account and explore it to your next bill. You can also request a refund by calling customer service, though a credit is usually faster. Keep your payment confirmation number so you can reference it if you need to dispute the duplicate charge.

Can I pay someone else's Water and Power bill?

Yes, you can pay another person's bill if you have their account number. Pay online or by phone using their account number, and the payment will post to their account. You do not need their permission to make a payment, but you will not have access to their account details unless they add you as an authorized user.

Is there a fee for paying my bill online?

DWP does not charge a fee for paying online through their official website using a debit card or bank account. If you use a third-party payment service or pay through a bill-pay app, that service may charge a fee. Always pay through the DWP website directly to avoid extra charges.