Seattle City Light 2025-2026 rate increase: What to expect

Seattle City Light to increase rates

Seattle City Light announced a plan Monday to increase rates for customers amid higher labor costs and a heightened demand for energy.

SEATTLE - Seattle City Light customers should expect a higher bill over the next two years, as a plan to raise the utility's rates will likely be adopted soon.

According to the utility department, residential customers can anticipate an increase of around $4 per month in 2025 and 2026. Those enrolled in the Utility Discount Program will pay an extra $2 per month.

Seattle residents will see a 4.3% rate increase in 2025, and 4.9% increase in 2026. For businesses, the rate hike ranges between 4% to 7%, depending on their customer class and consumption profile.

via Seattle City Light

Back in July, Seattle City Light announced a plan for the upcoming utility bill increase as part of the department's updated 2025-2030 Strategic Plan.

Issues like inflation, supply chain struggles and a growing electricity demand were cited as some of the reasons behind the rate hikes.

The rate increases have yet to be adopted by the Seattle City Council, though it's anticipated to pass in mid-November alongside the city’s 2025-2026 budget. Once adopted, the new rates become effective on January 1, 2025.

The not-for-profit electric utility is also preparing a new "time of use" rate option in mid-2025, which allows residents and businesses to save on their bills by reducing electricity during peak hours.

More information can be found on the Seattle City Light website.