Where to pay your Laredo utilities bill
Laredo Public Utilities (LPU) gives you several ways to pay your electric and water bill. You can pay online through their website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The fastest and most convenient option for most people is online payment through the LPU website, where you can set up a one-time payment or enroll in automatic monthly payments.
If you prefer to pay by phone, call LPU's customer service line at (956) 795-2500. A representative can process your payment over the phone using a debit card or bank account. Payments made by phone are typically applied to your account within one business day.
For in-person payments, visit the LPU office at 1111 Houston Street, Laredo, TX 78040 during business hours. You can pay with cash, check, or card. If you mail your payment, include your account number on the check and send it to the same address — allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to reach and post to your account.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the LPU website is the fastest method and lets you choose a one-time payment or set up automatic monthly withdrawals.
- Phone payments at (956) 795-2500 are processed within one business day and accept debit cards or bank account information.
- Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to post, so send them well before your due date to avoid late fees.
- Your account number appears on your bill and is required for all payment methods except in-person payments at the LPU office.
- Late fees apply if payment is not received by the due date shown on your bill, regardless of which payment method you use.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting to pay your bill. Log into your account on the LPU website, go to the payment section, and select the option to set up recurring payments. You can choose to pay the full bill amount each month or a fixed amount you specify. The payment will be withdrawn from your bank account or charged to your card on the date you select.
Before you enroll, make sure the withdrawal date works with your pay schedule. If you are paid on the 15th and the 30th, for example, set the automatic payment to process a few days after one of those dates so the money is in your account. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account, and LPU will send you a confirmation email when the payment is processed each month.
Understanding your Laredo utilities bill
Your LPU bill shows charges for electricity and water separately. The electric portion includes a base charge (a fixed monthly fee) plus usage charges based on kilowatt-hours (kWh) you consumed. The water portion works the same way: a base charge plus usage charges per gallon or per 1,000 gallons, depending on your meter type.
Look for the "Amount Due" line near the top or bottom of your bill — this is what you owe. Below that, you will see the due date. If you pay after the due date, a late fee will be added to your next bill. Your bill also lists your current meter readings and the dates of the billing period, which helps you track whether your usage is typical or unusually high.
If you see a charge you do not recognize or your bill is much higher than usual, contact LPU customer service before you pay. They can review your account and meter readings to confirm the charges are correct.
What to do if you cannot pay your full bill on time
If you are facing a hardship and cannot pay your bill by the due date, contact LPU as soon as possible — do not wait until after the due date. Explain your situation to a customer service representative. LPU may offer a payment plan that lets you spread the balance over several months, reducing the amount due each month.
LPU also has a Low Income Assistance Program for customers who meet income requirements. This program can help reduce your monthly bill or provide one-time assistance. To learn whether you may be may be able to access, call (956) 795-2500 and ask about the program, or visit the LPU website for income guidelines and how to request information.
If your service is disconnected for non-payment, you will need to pay the full past-due amount plus a reconnection fee to restore power or water. Reconnection can take 24 to 48 hours, so preventing disconnection by contacting LPU early is far less costly than paying reconnection fees later.
Checking your account balance and payment history online
Create an online account on the LPU website to view your current balance, past bills, and payment history anytime. You will need your account number (found on your bill) and a valid email address to set up the account. Once logged in, you can see how much you owe, when your next payment is due, and a record of all payments you have made over the past 12 to 24 months.
Your online account also shows your usage trends, which can help you spot unusual spikes in electricity or water consumption. If you notice a sudden jump, it may signal a leak, a malfunctioning appliance, or a meter problem. Checking your account regularly — even just once a month — helps you catch billing errors or service issues before they become expensive.
Disputing a charge or reporting a billing error
If you believe your bill is wrong, contact LPU customer service within 30 days of receiving the bill. Have your bill in front of you and be ready to explain which charge seems incorrect. A representative will review your account, meter readings, and usage history to determine whether the charge is accurate.
Common reasons for billing errors include a misread meter, a change in your rate (which LPU must notify you about in advance), or a charge for a service you did not request. If LPU finds an error, they will issue a credit to your account. If the bill is correct, the representative will explain the charges in detail so you understand what you are paying for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Laredo utilities bill with a credit card?
Yes, you can pay with a credit card online through the LPU website or by phone at (956) 795-2500. Be aware that LPU may charge a convenience fee for credit card payments, which is added to your bill. Check the LPU website or ask when you call to confirm the current fee amount.
What happens if I pay my bill late?
A late fee will be added to your next bill if payment is not received by the due date. The amount of the late fee varies; check your bill or contact LPU to confirm the current fee. If you continue to miss payments, LPU may disconnect your service after providing written notice.
How do I know if my meter is working correctly?
Compare your meter readings on your bill to your actual meter if you have access to it. If the readings do not match or your bill is unusually high, contact LPU to request a meter inspection. LPU can test your meter at no charge if you suspect a problem.
Can I change my billing due date?
Contact LPU customer service to request a different due date. They can often adjust the date to match your pay schedule or personal preference. Changes typically take effect on your next billing cycle.
What should I do if I move out of Laredo?
Contact LPU at least two weeks before you move to request a final meter reading and bill. Provide your forwarding address so LPU can mail your final bill or any refund due to you. If you do not notify LPU, you may be responsible for charges after you leave.