Seattle City Light Rate Changes Go Into Effect Jan. 1

As part of a six-year Strategic Plan to maintain reliable, environmentally responsible electricity service for our customers and enhance the services provided in several key areas, a modest rate increase will take effect Jan. 1. The average increase is 4.2 percent.

Seattle City Light is investing in its operations to maintain reliable, environmentally responsible electricity service for our customers and to enhance the services provided in several key areas, outlined in a six-year Strategic Plan unanimously approved by the City Council.

This work is designed to improve customers’ experience and rate predictability, increase workforce performance and safety practices, enhance organizational performance and continue our conservation and environmental leadership as the nation’s greenest utility.

To pay for those investments and the rising costs of goods and services, the Strategic Plan also outlines modest anticipated rate increases through 2020. Those changes take effect Jan. 1 of each year.

“Investing in critical infrastructure improvements, service enhancements and regular maintenance are important steps in continuing to provide our customer-owners with the reliable power they depend upon,” General Manager and CEO Jorge Carrasco said. “Even with the rate changes for 2015, City Light will still deliver great value, offering the lowest cost electricity for any large city in the country.”  

For 2015, City Light’s rate increases average 4.2 percent across all customer classes.

A complete set of individual rate schedules will be available online, starting Jan. 1.

Additionally, City Light has simplified the rate structure for streetlighting from 119 classifications to 18. These changes go into effect at the same time.