Seattle City Light provides electricity service to Seattle and the surrounding Washington area. The local climate significantly impacts energy costs throughout the year.
12.5¢/kWh
Average residential rate
The average Seattle residential customer pays approximately 12.5¢ per kilowatt-hour. Your actual rate depends on your specific rate plan, usage tier, and time of use.
| Plan | Base Rate | Peak Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Flat Rate | $0.1392 per kWh | N/A | Customers who prefer a simple, predictable rate without worrying about the time of day they use electricity. |
| Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate | Off-peak: $0.0837/kWh, Mid-peak: $0.1465/kWh, Peak: $0.1674/kWh | 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday | Customers who can shift their electricity usage to off-peak hours to save money. |
| Budget Billing | Based on the last 12 months of your actual electricity use | N/A | Customers who want to pay a predictable amount each month, evening out the seasonal highs and lows of their bills. |
Residential Flat Rate: Customers who prefer a simple, predictable rate without worrying about the time of day they use electricity.
Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate: Customers who can shift their electricity usage to off-peak hours to save money.
Budget Billing: Customers who want to pay a predictable amount each month, evening out the seasonal highs and lows of their bills.
*Rates shown are approximate and subject to change. Verify current rates at seattle.gov/city-light.*
Seattle's climate significantly impacts energy costs throughout the year.
| Season | Typical Bill Range | Primary Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | $150-$300 | Air conditioning |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | $80-$180 | Heating |
| Spring/Fall | $70-$120 | Baseline usage |
*Bill estimates based on average Seattle household usage of 1,100 kWh/month.*
Seattle City Light rates in Seattle have changed over the past several years:
Recent rate adjustments have been approved by the state utility commission.
Seattle City Light serves Seattle and surrounding areas in Washington.
Common questions about Seattle City Light service in Seattle, Washington — including current rates, billing, outage reporting, and how to verify your bill is accurate.
No upload required. Enter two numbers from your bill to see if it falls within typical ranges.
Most utility bills are calculated correctly.
This quick check helps you understand if your bill stands out from typical ranges. It cannot determine accuracy without a full bill review.
The "Total Amount Due" on your bill
Usually labeled "Total kWh" or "Usage"
Disclaimer: This tool provides a rough estimate based on typical residential rates. It does not account for fixed charges, demand charges, time-of-use pricing, taxes, fees, or other bill components. Results are for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. We cannot determine billing accuracy without reviewing your full bill.
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