The main phone number for LADWP customer service

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's main customer service line is 1-800-342-5397. This number handles billing questions, service requests, outages, and account changes for both water and power customers in Los Angeles.

You can call this number Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time. The automated system will route you to the right department based on what you need. If you call outside business hours, you can still report emergencies like gas leaks or downed power lines — the system will connect you to the appropriate team.

LADWP also operates a separate line for reporting power outages: 1-800-611-5329. This line is staffed 24 hours a day and can tell you whether an outage is affecting your address and when power is expected to return.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-342-5397 for billing, account changes, and general customer service Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time.
  • Call 1-800-611-5329 to report or check on a power outage at any time, including nights and weekends.
  • LADWP's website at ladwp.com offers online bill payment, account management, and outage maps without waiting on the phone.
  • For emergencies like gas leaks or downed lines, call the main number even after hours — the system routes emergency calls when ready.

What you can handle online instead of calling

LADWP's website at ladwp.com lets you pay your bill, view your account balance, report a problem, and check your usage history without calling. You can also sign up for paperless billing and set up automatic payments through the website.

If you want to know whether an outage is affecting your area right now, the LADWP outage map on their website updates in real time. You can enter your address and see the scope of the outage and estimated restoration time without waiting for a representative.

The website also has a chat feature during business hours if you prefer not to call. This can be faster than the phone line during peak times.

Specific numbers for different situations

LADWP publishes separate numbers for different needs. If you are calling about a water main break or water service problem, the main customer service line (1-800-342-5397) will route you correctly, but you can also reach the water division directly through the main number by selecting the appropriate menu option.

For gas service issues — LADWP also provides natural gas to some customers — use the same main number and select the gas option from the menu. If you smell gas, hang up and call 911 or the gas emergency line from a safe location.

If you are a business customer or have a large account, LADWP has a separate business customer service line. The main number can transfer you, or you can ask about the business line when you call.

How to prepare before you call

Have your account number ready before you call. You can find it on your bill or in your online account. This speeds up the process because the representative can pull up your account when ready instead of asking you to spell your name or address.

If you are calling about a billing problem, have your recent bill in front of you. If you are reporting a service problem, note the date and time it started and what you have already tried (like resetting a meter or checking the breaker).

If you are calling about an outage, have your address ready. The representative will tell you whether the outage is affecting your specific location and when service is expected to return.

Contacting LADWP by mail or in person

If you prefer not to call, you can mail a letter to LADWP's main office at 111 North Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Mail takes longer than a phone call, so use this method only for non-urgent matters like billing disputes or account changes that are not time-sensitive.

LADWP also has payment centers and service centers throughout Los Angeles where you can pay a bill in person or speak to someone face-to-face. The website lists all locations and their hours. Some centers are open on Saturdays.

What to do if you cannot reach anyone

If the phone lines are busy, try calling back during off-peak hours — early morning or late afternoon usually have shorter wait times than midday. The online chat feature on the website may also have a shorter wait than the phone line.

For non-urgent issues, paying your bill or checking your account online takes just a few minutes and does not require calling at all. Many common questions — like why your bill went up or how to report a leak — have answers in the FAQ section of the website.

If you have a disability that makes phone calls difficult, LADWP offers relay services and other accommodations. Call the main number and ask about accessibility options, or visit the website to learn what is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time should I call to get through faster?

Early morning (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) usually have shorter wait times than midday. Calling on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday is often faster than Monday or Friday. If you can use the website or chat instead, those are usually faster than the phone line.

Can I pay my LADWP bill over the phone?

Yes, you can pay by phone when you call the main number (1-800-342-5397). Have your account number and payment method ready. You can also pay online at ladwp.com, by mail, or at a payment center — online payment is when ready and does not require waiting on hold.

What should I do if I smell gas?

Leave the area when ready and call 911 from a safe location away from the building. Do not use your phone inside the building, do not light a match, and do not turn electrical switches on or off. After you call 911, you can call LADWP's main number to report the leak, but emergency services come first.

How do I know if there is an outage in my area?

Call 1-800-611-5329 (the outage line) and enter your address, or check the outage map on ladwp.com. Both will tell you whether your area is affected and when power is expected to return. The outage line is available 24 hours a day.

Can I dispute a charge on my bill?

Yes. Call the main number (1-800-342-5397) and explain the charge you are questioning. Have your bill in front of you. LADWP will review your account and meter history. You can also dispute charges in writing by mailing a letter to the address on your bill, though the phone call is usually faster.