Seattle City Light rate increases in effect for 2026

SEATTLE - Higher bills are on their way to Seattle City Light customers as previously approved rate increases continue to take effect.

By the numbers:

In 2024, the Seattle City Council adopted a set of rate increases to take effect from 2025-2026. Beginning Jan. 1 of 2026, a 5.4% increase started appearing on customers' bills.

SCL says customers should expect to see a $4 increase in their monthly bills. Those enrolled in the Utility Discount Program are going to see a $2 increase. These charges put the utility in line with their 2025-2030 strategic plan. 

Additionally, business customers will see a 4-7% increase. Basic service charge increases in 2026, according to SCL, are to align revenue with the actual costs for customer services, including labor, metering, and billing support.

What they're saying:

"As part of the rate setting process, City Light does a cost-of-service analysis, which leads to different sized average rate increases between rate classes," read, in part, a statement from SCL. Those classes are shown below.

Seattle City Light rate changes

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