Where to pay your Long Beach utility bill
The City of Long Beach Department of Water and Power (LBDWP) accepts payments through several channels. You can pay online at lbdwp.org, by phone at (562) 570-2300, by mail, or in person at their customer service office located at 925 North Vignes Street, Long Beach, CA 90810.
Online payment through the LBDWP website is the fastest option and typically processes immediately. You'll need your account number, which appears on your bill. Phone payments also process the same day if you call before the payment deadline. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach the office, so send them well before your due date to avoid late fees.
In-person payments at the customer service office are accepted during business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on weekends and city holidays. You can pay by check, money order, or debit card in person.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at lbdwp.org, by phone at (562) 570-2300, by mail, or in person at 925 North Vignes Street to avoid late fees.
- Your bill shows your account number, due date, and the amount owed — the due date is typically 18 days after the bill is issued.
- Long Beach charges separate rates for water, wastewater, and power, each with its own usage tier, so your bill may show multiple charges.
- If you cannot pay your full bill by the due date, contact LBDWP customer service to discuss payment plans or hardship programs.
- Late payments trigger a 1.5% monthly interest charge on the unpaid balance, and service can be disconnected after 60 days of non-payment.
How to read your Long Beach utility bill
Your LBDWP bill is divided into sections for water, wastewater, and power (if you receive power service). Each section shows your current meter reading, previous meter reading, and the amount of water or power you used during the billing period. The bill also displays the rate per unit and calculates your charge based on tiered pricing — meaning you pay a lower rate for your first block of usage and a higher rate if you exceed it.
At the top of the bill, you'll see your account number, service address, and billing period. The due date appears prominently near the top as well. Below that are line items for each service: water, wastewater, power, and any taxes or fees. Long Beach also includes a stormwater charge on some bills, which funds drainage and flood prevention.
The bottom of the bill shows your total amount due and payment instructions. If you have a balance from a previous month, it will be listed separately. Some bills include a comparison of your current usage to the same month last year, which helps you spot unusual spikes in consumption.
Understanding tiered rates and usage charges
Long Beach uses tiered rate structures for water and power, meaning the price per unit increases as you use more. For water, your first tier covers a baseline amount of usage at a lower rate. If you exceed that baseline, the next block of water costs more per unit. This structure encourages conservation and means your bill is not simply usage multiplied by a flat rate.
Your bill shows which tier you fell into during the billing period. If you used 15 units of water and the baseline is 10 units, you pay the tier 1 rate for the first 10 units and the tier 2 rate for the remaining 5 units. The exact baseline and rates change annually and vary depending on whether you live in a single-family home or a multi-unit building.
Power rates follow the same tiered model. Long Beach also applies different rates depending on the time of year — summer rates (typically June through September) are higher than winter rates. Your bill will note which season applies to your billing period.
Late fees, disconnection, and what happens if you don't pay
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your bill, LBDWP charges a 1.5% monthly interest on the unpaid balance. This interest compounds monthly, so the longer you wait, the more you owe. A late notice is typically sent 10 days after the due date.
After 60 days of non-payment, the city may disconnect your water or power service without further notice. Reconnection requires payment of the full balance plus a reconnection fee. If your service is disconnected, you must contact LBDWP to arrange payment and schedule a reconnection visit, which can take several business days.
If you receive a disconnection notice and cannot pay the full amount, contact customer service immediately. The city offers payment plans and may have hardship programs available, though these are not may provide. Acting before the 60-day mark gives you more options than waiting until service is cut off.
Payment plans and hardship assistance
If you cannot pay your bill in full by the due date, LBDWP customer service can discuss a payment plan with you. Payment plans typically allow you to split your balance into installments over several months. You must contact the city before your account becomes delinquent — waiting until after a late notice arrives limits your options.
Long Beach residents who face financial hardship may be referred to community assistance programs. These programs are not run by LBDWP itself but by local nonprofits and government agencies. Customer service can provide referrals, but you will need to contact those organizations directly to learn about their requirements and current availability.
Some residents may also be may be able to access for the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program, which provides a discount on power bills for low-income households. You can ask LBDWP whether you meet the income threshold and how to enroll.
How to dispute a charge or report a meter problem
If you believe your bill is incorrect, review your meter readings first. Your bill shows the current and previous readings — subtract the previous from the current to see the usage amount you were charged for. If the math does not match, or if your usage seems unusually high, contact LBDWP customer service with your account number and the billing period in question.
LBDWP can review your account history and check whether your meter is functioning correctly. If the meter is faulty, the city may adjust your bill for the affected period. Meter testing is free, but you must request it in writing or by phone. The process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
If you notice a leak on your property — such as a running toilet or wet patches in your yard — report it to LBDWP as soon as possible. A leak can cause your bill to spike dramatically. The city may offer a one-time adjustment for a leak if you can show proof of repair, though this is not automatic and depends on the circumstances.
Setting up automatic payments and paperless billing
To avoid late payments, you can set up automatic payments through the LBDWP website. Automatic payments deduct your bill amount from your bank account on the due date each month. You control the payment method and can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account.
Paperless billing reduces mail delivery time and lets you access your bill immediately after it is issued. You can enroll in paperless billing on the LBDWP website by creating an online account and selecting the option in your account settings. You'll receive an email notification when your bill is ready to view.
Creating an online account also lets you view your usage history, compare your current bill to previous months, and contact customer service through a secure message system. The account is free and takes about 5 minutes to set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I move out of my Long Beach apartment or house?
Contact LBDWP at least 5 business days before your move-out date to request a final meter reading and bill. You'll be responsible for all usage up to the date the city confirms the disconnection. Provide a forwarding address so the final bill is sent to you, not the new resident.
Can I get a refund if I overpay my bill?
Yes. If your account has a credit balance, LBDWP will issue a refund check or apply the credit to your next bill. You can request a refund by contacting customer service with your account number.
Why is my bill so much higher than usual?
Check your meter readings first — a spike in usage often signals a leak. If usage looks normal, confirm that your bill covers the same number of days as usual (most bills cover 30 to 32 days). Seasonal rate changes and changes to your household (more people, new appliances) can also increase bills. Call customer service if you cannot explain the increase.
What if I'm on a fixed income and struggling to pay?
Contact LBDWP customer service to ask about payment plans and referrals to local assistance programs. You may also be may be able to access for the CARE program discount on power. These programs have income limits and availability varies, so call (562) 570-2300 to discuss your situation.
How often will I be billed?
LBDWP bills most residential customers monthly. Your billing cycle is based on your meter reading schedule, so your bill date may not be the same as your due date. The bill typically arrives 5 to 7 days before the due date.