Pay your LADWP bill online, by phone, mail, or in person at a payment center

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) gives you four main ways to pay. The fastest and most convenient is online through your LADWP account at ladwp.com. You can also call their automated payment line at 1-800-342-5397, mail a check to the address on your bill, or walk into a payment center during business hours. Each method takes the payment to your account within a few business days, though online and phone payments usually post the same day.

You do not need to set up anything special to pay once. If you want to automate future payments, LADWP offers automatic bank draft and automatic credit card payment through your online account. Automatic draft from a checking or savings account has no fee. Automatic credit card payments carry a fee that varies depending on the card type — LADWP's website shows the exact amount before you confirm.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment at ladwp.com is the fastest method and posts the same day if you pay before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day.
  • Phone payments through 1-800-342-5397 work 24/7 but require your account number and a debit or credit card.
  • Mail payments should be sent to the address printed on your bill at least 10 days before the due date to avoid a late fee.
  • LADWP payment centers accept cash, check, and card in person; find the nearest location on their website or call 1-800-342-5397.
  • Automatic bank draft from a checking account has no fee and ensures you never miss a due date.

Paying online through your LADWP account

Go to ladwp.com and sign in with your account number and service address, or create a free online account if you do not have one yet. Once logged in, look for "Pay My Bill" or a similar button on the dashboard. Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, a partial amount, or a different amount if you are on a payment plan. Select your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account.

Online payments processed before 5 p.m. Pacific time on a business day post the same day. Payments submitted after 5 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. You will receive a confirmation number immediately; save or print it as proof of payment. If you need to dispute a charge later, this number is what LADWP will ask for.

Paying by phone or automated system

Call 1-800-342-5397 to reach LADWP's automated payment line. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and a debit or credit card. The system will ask you to enter the amount and confirm your card details. The call is free, and the payment posts within one business day. You will hear a confirmation number at the end of the call — write it down.

If you prefer to speak with a representative instead of using the automated system, you can call the same number and ask to be transferred. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time, and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time. A representative can answer questions about your bill or payment options, but the process takes longer than the automated line.

Paying by mail or check

Write a check or money order payable to "LADWP" and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on your bill — this address changes depending on which LADWP division handles your account, so always use the one on your statement. Mail your payment at least 10 days before the due date to make sure it arrives on time and avoids a late fee.

LADWP processes mailed payments when they arrive at their facility, which typically takes 5 to 10 business days from the date you mail it. If your payment arrives after the due date, a late fee will be added to your next bill. Keep a copy of your check or a photo of the front and back for your records. Do not send cash by mail.

Paying in person at an LADWP payment center

LADWP operates payment centers across Los Angeles where you can pay in person with cash, check, or card. Payment centers are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time. Some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours — check ladwp.com or call 1-800-342-5397 to find the nearest center and confirm its hours before you go.

Bring your account number or bill, and bring the payment method you plan to use. If paying by check, make it out to "LADWP" and include your account number. In-person payments are processed immediately, and you will receive a receipt on the spot. This is the only method that gives you a same-day receipt in hand.

Setting up automatic payments to avoid missing due dates

Automatic bank draft is the simplest way to never miss a payment. Log into your LADWP account online, go to "Billing & Payments," and select "Autopay" or "Automatic Payment." Choose "Bank Account" as your payment method and enter your checking or savings account number and routing number. You can set the payment to come out on a date you choose each month, and there is no fee.

If you prefer to use a credit card for automatic payments, the same process applies, but LADWP charges a fee that depends on the card type. Visa and Mastercard typically have one fee, and American Express another — the exact amount appears on the payment screen before you confirm. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account, and you will receive an email confirmation each time a payment is processed.

What to do if you cannot pay your full bill

If your bill is larger than you can pay right now, contact LADWP before the due date. Call 1-800-342-5397 and ask about a payment plan or deferred payment arrangement. LADWP may allow you to split your bill into smaller payments over several months. The terms depend on the amount owed and your account history, so there is no single answer — the representative will explain what is available to you.

If you are having trouble paying because of a financial hardship, ask the representative about LADWP's Low Income Assistance Program or other programs that may help. These programs have their own rules and income limits, and the representative can tell you whether you may be may be able to access and what information you would need to provide. Do not wait until your service is shut off to call — LADWP typically gives notice before disconnection, but the sooner you reach out, the more options you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my payment went through?

Online and phone payments show a confirmation number immediately. Check your LADWP account online within one business day to see the payment posted to your balance. In-person payments give you a receipt on the spot. For mailed checks, call 1-800-342-5397 after 10 business days to confirm receipt.

Can I pay someone else's LADWP bill?

Yes, but you will need their account number and service address. Online and phone payments do not require you to prove you own the account — you only need the account details. If you are paying in person, bring the bill or account number. LADWP does not verify who is making the payment.

What happens if I pay late?

A late fee is added to your next bill if payment arrives after the due date shown on your statement. The amount of the late fee depends on your bill size. If you are more than 30 days late, LADWP may issue a notice of intent to disconnect service. Contact them immediately if you receive this notice.

Is there a fee to pay online or by phone?

No fee for online or phone payments when you pay from a bank account. Credit card payments online or by phone carry a fee that varies by card type. In-person and mailed payments have no fee. Automatic bank draft has no fee; automatic credit card payments do.

Can I change my payment due date?

LADWP sets your due date based on when your account was opened and your service area. You cannot change the due date itself, but you can set up automatic payment to process on any date you choose before the due date, so the payment reaches LADWP on time.