The Complete Guide to Paying Your City of Long Beach Utility Bill

Paying your utility bill on time every month is an essential part of being a responsible resident of Long Beach. However, with so many payment options available, it can be confusing to figure out the best method for paying your City of Long Beach utility bill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding your bill to setting up automatic payments to finding assistance if you are struggling to pay.

Overview of the City of Long Beach Utility Services

The City of Long Beach provides water, sewer, gas, and refuse collection services to residents and businesses within the city limits The Department of Energy Resources manages the gas utility, while the Water Department handles water delivery and sewer services Trash and recycling collection are coordinated by the Environmental Services Bureau within the Public Works Department.

Customers receive a single utility bill each month covering all these services. Bills are typically mailed out around the 20th of the month and payment is due by the 15th of the following month. So your January bill would be mailed in late December and payment would be due by January 15th.

Payment Options for City of Long Beach Utilities

The City offers several convenient ways to pay your utility bill so you can choose the method that works best for you. Here are the main options available:

Pay Online

The fastest and easiest way to pay is through the City’s online payment portal. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check 24/7. Your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number are required to log in.

Pay by Phone

Call (833) 408-8405 to pay by Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card. This automated payment line is available 24 hours a day.

Pay by Mail

If you prefer, you can mail in a check or money order payment to:

City of Long Beach
P.O. Box 630
Long Beach, CA 90842-0001

Be sure to include your account number on the payment. Allow 5-7 days for mail delivery time.

Pay in Person

You can pay your bill in cash, check, or credit/debit card at Long Beach City Hall located at 411 W Ocean Blvd. The cashier is open Monday-Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm. You can also use the 24 hour drop box on the east side of City Hall if paying after hours.

Additionally, there are authorized payment locations around the city including grocery stores and check cashing locations.

Pay through Your Bank

Many banks and credit unions allow you to pay your utility bill through their online bill pay service. This is an easy option if you already use online banking. Just search for “Long Beach Utilities” and enter your account number to set it up.

Automatic Payments

For hassle-free payments every month, consider enrolling in the Automatic Pay Program. Your bill amount will be automatically deducted from your credit card, debit card, or bank account on the due date each month. Sign up online through the City’s website.

Understanding Your City of Long Beach Utility Bill

Before paying your bill, it’s important to review the charges to ensure accuracy. Your utility bill will include the following sections:

• Account Summary: Provides an overview of current and previous charges and payments on your account. Compare the previous and current balance amounts.

• Utility Charges: Details your actual usage and charges for water, sewer, gas, and refuse services over the current billing period. Check that the usage seems reasonable.

• Other Charges/Credits: Lists any other fees, adjustments, or account credits applied to your account. Make sure all charges appear valid.

• Message Center: Highlights important notices, events, and program information. Read these each month for news that could impact your service or billing.

• Payment Stub: Detach and include this portion with mailed payments. Contains your account number, charges due, and due date.

Double check the total “Amount Due” and make sure it matches the payment you submit. Reach out to the Utility Billing department if you notice any discrepancies on your bill.

Payment Assistance for City of Long Beach Utilities

If you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to pay your utility bill, the City of Long Beach offers assistance programs to help qualified customers. These include:

• Payment Arrangements: Set up an interest-free installment plan to spread payments over several months. Apply through the Utility Billing department.

• LIHEAP Bill Payment Assistance: Provides credits on utility bills for households meeting low income guidelines. Apply through the Long Beach Community Action Partnership.

• Medical Baseline Allowance: Offers additional quantity of utilities at the lowest rate for those with medical needs. Requires doctor certification.

• Senior/Disability Rate Reduction: Reduces utility rates by 15-20% for eligible seniors 62+ and disabled individuals.

See the City’s Bill Assistance page for full details on applying for these programs. Additional assistance may also be available from nonprofit agencies and community organizations within the city.

Avoiding Late Fees and Service Disruptions

To prevent late fees and potential service interruption, make sure to pay your utility bill in full by the due date each month. Late fees are 2.5% of the unpaid balance.

If your account becomes 60 days or more past due, your services are subject to shut off. A $50.00 fee will also be applied if gas or water service is disconnected for nonpayment. Avoid these extra costs and inconveniences by paying on time.

Set up text or email reminders through the City’s online billing system so you never miss a due date. Or enroll in automatic payments to have your bill paid on time automatically each month.

Moving In or Out of Long Beach? How to Start or Stop Service

If you are establishing new utility service at an address in Long Beach, call the Utility Services Department at (562) 570-5700. You will need to provide your move in date and personal information to set up an account.

When moving out of Long Beach, request a final bill and service discontinuation by contacting Utility Billing at least 3 days prior to your move out date. Provide a valid forwarding address to receive your final bill and deposit refund if applicable.

Stopping service promptly when vacating a property ensures you do not continue getting billed for utilities at that location.

In Summary