Seattle residents and businesses should brace for a bump in their electric bills, as Seattle City Light has announced rate increases slated for 2025 and 2026. Following approval by the Seattle City Council, customers will see the first increase rollout on January 1, 2025. For residential customers, this means an approximate $4 monthly uptick, while those enrolled in the Utility Discount Program are facing a smaller, $2 increase per month, as reported by Seattle City Light.
Businesses are looking to absorb a more substantial hike, with projected bill jumps ranging from 4% to 7%, dependent on customer class and energy usage profiles. The utility's approach aims to evenly distribute the cost of service, which inevitably translates to variably sized rate increases across different rate classes. Customers will also need to adjust to a basic service charge increase in both 2025 and 2026, designed to better align with the actual costs of services like metering and customer support, as outlined by the utility.
In a move to promote energy savings and consumer agency, Seattle City Light is preparing to roll out a new time of use (TOU) rate option in mid-2025. This program offers the potential for customers to save on their electricity bills simply by shifting their energy use away from peak hours. With the introduction of the TOU rate offering, the previous second-block residential rate will be phased out, resulting in a flat per kilowatt-hour energy price, regardless of consumption levels.
Understanding the impact of rate increases on their customer base, City Light emphasizes the availability of payment plans and bill assistance programs to ease the financial burden. "We know even a small increase can be a burden for some," Seattle City Light notes, affirming its mission to provide safe, affordable, and environmentally responsible electric service while also supporting those who struggle to keep pace with rising costs.
