Utility Assistance Programs
Have a balance on your account? Let’s figure it out now.
DO YOU HAVE UNPAID UTILITY BILLS? HERE’S WHAT TO DO:
Qualified customers can get direct payment assistance to pay down their balance.
Contact us now to set up a payment plan that works for you to pay off your debt.
Questions? Call us at (562) 570-5700
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several options available to make a payment on your utility account.
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Pay cash at any local 7-Eleven or CVS
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Call (833) 408-8405 to pay by phone
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Log into your account and pay online at longbeach.gov/utilitybilling
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Visit City Hall, 411 W. Ocean Blvd., Monday-Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to pay in person
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Mail a check or money order, payable to City of Long Beach, to: P.O. Box 630 Long Beach, CA 90842-0001
How do I know if I have an outstanding balance?
How do I find out if I have an outstanding balance on my account?
If you have an outstanding balance, you will see an alert on your monthly utility bill. You can also log into your account at longbeach.gov/utilitybilling to see if you have an outstanding balance and, if so, what you owe to Utility Services.
The City of Long Beach will also send mailed, emailed and phone notices alerting customers who have an unpaid balance on their account.
Lastly, you can always give us a call at (562) 570-5700 for additional questions.
I can't pay my balance in full. What are my options?
I can’t pay my balance in full. What are my options?
If you can’t pay off your balance in full right now, don’t worry. We will work with you to get on a payment plan that works for you.
You can apply online or call us at (562) 570-5700.
Flexible Payment Plan
Print copies of the application are also available in multiple languages at our offices at 1800 E. Wardlow Road and at local libraries and community centers.
What if I can't pay my balance while on a payment plan?
What if I can’t pay my balance while on a payment plan?
We know nobody wants interruptions to their water or natural gas service, so we’re committed to doing everything we can to help you avoid a utility disconnection.
If you are struggling to pay, our customer service team will work with you to come up with a plan that works for your specific situation.
Approved income-qualified customers, those with medical conditions or disabilities and seniors can take advantage of assistance programs to reduce the amount they owe. Available help includes the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, or LIHWAP, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
If I'm on a payment plan, could my utilities still be shutt off?
If I am on a payment plan, could my utilities still be shut off?
As long as you continue to make your agreed upon payments, your utility service will not be disconnected.
Make sure to stay in touch with any concerns or questions that come up. Whether you’re struggling to make payments or looking for greater assistance, we’ll do our best to work out a reasonable and affordable plan that works for you.
What assistance programs exist to pay my utility bill?
What assistance programs exist to pay my utility bill?
Income qualified residential customers can take advantage of direct payment assistance for overdue natural gas and water bills through the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, or LIHWAP, and the Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
In addition, several ongoing discounts and assistance programs are available for qualifying customers, seniors and those with medical needs or disabilities.
Find more information, view the applications below or call us at (562) 570-5700.
Will I be notified if my water or gas service will shut off?
Will I be notified if my water and/or gas service will be shut off?
Residential customers with unpaid utility debt will be contacted multiple times in the months before shutoffs for nonpayment. If you’re unsure if you have an arrearage on your account, log into your utility billing account online, look at your most recent bill or give us a call at (562) 570-5700.
A final notification prior to shutoff will be mailed to the customer nine days in advance. A final courtesy robocall notice will be sent at least two days ahead of utility shutoff.
I have more questions. Who can I contact for help?
Our utility customer service team is here to help figure it out together!
If you have a question or concern that wasn’t answered here or on longbeach.gov/utilityservices, please feel free to give us a call at (562) 570-5700.
Flexible Payment Plan
Those struggling to pay off accumulated debt or new high utility bills can sign up for a flexible plan to pay their bill over time — up to 36 months.
Active gas and water services will remain uninterrupted as long as the conditions of the payment arrangement are honored.
Flexible Payment Plan Application
To request an application in Spanish (Español), Khmer, (ខ្មែរ), or Tagalog, please call 562-570-5700.
Low Income Gas Discount Program
Qualified residential customers can apply for the Low Income Gas Discount Program to receive a 20 percent discount on their monthly natural gas bill. The discount will be applied to your account as soon as the application is processed and approved by Long Beach Utilities.
Low Income Gas Discount Application
You can also complete the Fillable Application(PDF, 1MB) and email it to billing@lbutilities.org.
Or print the form in Spanish(PDF, 1MB) (Español), Khmer(PDF, 423KB) (ខ្មែរ), or Tagalog(PDF, 637KB) and mail it to:
Long Beach Utilities Billing
2400 E. Spring St.
Long Beach, CA 90806
*California Alternate Rates for Energy program income requirements
Low Income Senior or Disability Discount Program
Qualified customers may receive an exemption from paying the City’s 5 percent utility users tax, or UUT. There are 2 easy ways to be considered for an exemption:
1. Mailed Application
Low Income Senior/Disability Discount Application(PDF, 419KB)
You may also fill out an application in Spanish(PDF, 629KB) (Español), Khmer(PDF, 423KB) (ខ្មែរ), or in Tagalog(PDF, 637KB) and mail to:
Long Beach Utilities Billing
2400 E. Spring St.
Long Beach, CA 90806
2. In-Person Application
You can also fill out your application in person at any Long Beach Senior center.
Please call (562) 570-3533 for more information.
*California Alternate Rates for Energy program income requirements
Medical Heating Allowance Program
Long Beach Utilities is here to help those suffering from serious medical conditions. The Medical Heating Allowance Program allows additional therms of usage at the lower Tier I rate for individuals with qualifying medical conditions.
Those who require life-saving medical equipment that uses natural gas can also qualify for the therm allowance, plus other benefits.
Who qualifies? Customers with a qualifying condition:
- Paraplegic
- Quadriplegic
- Hemiplegic
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Scleroderma
- Life threatening Illness
- Compromised Immune System
- Emphysema and requires positive pressure breathing apparatus
- Had pneumonia 3 or more times in 12 months as a result of chronic illness
- Paralysis of 2 or more extremities
- Life Support Equipment Required
Benefits
Additional allowance of therms of gas usage at the lower Tier 1 rate
Required documents
Verification form signed by your physician
Apply Today!
Medical Heating Allowance Program Application(PDF, 1MB)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please include a signature from your physician and email it to billing@lbutilities.org.
You may also mail your application to the address below:
Long Beach Utilities Billing
2400 E. Spring St.
Long Beach, CA 90806
Applications are available in Spanish(PDF, 448KB) (Español), Khmer(PDF, 295KB) (ខ្មែរ), and Tagalog(PDF, 477KB).
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, or LIHWAP, is a temporary program that offers assistance for low-income Californians to help manage their residential water utility costs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Utility customers are required to submit an application and be approved to receive relief funds. Visit the LIHWAP program webpage or call (888) 351-4061 for more information.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is a federally funded program that assists qualifying, low-income households in paying their winter gas and electric bills. A bill does not have to be delinquent for qualified persons to apply for assistance. LIHEAP runs from October 1st through Sept. 30 each year. Customers can apply for LIHEAP assistance once each program year.
To apply, visit the LIHEAP program webpage or contact:
Long Beach Community Action Partnership (LBCAP)
117 W Victoria Street, Long Beach, CA 90805
(888) 351-4061