Each year brings unique challenges and opportunities, and 2023 was no exception for Seattle City Light. Before we dive into 2024, let’s look at some of the highlights we marked in 2023.
We remain committed to helping customers facing financial challenges and providing customers with more information to make decisions.
We allocated $880,000 in state funds to help low- and moderate-income residential customers who were receiving help from utility bill assistance programs. These state funds helped reduce past-due balances compounded by the pandemic.
For the second year in a row, we secured the highest business customer satisfaction index score among midsize electric utilities in the Western United States in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Electric Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study.
Also, we added a new feature to our Utility Services Website. This tool shows daily electricity usage, giving you the data to make decisions for cost-saving energy adjustments.
We led significant initiatives throughout the year that exemplify our dedication to sustainable energy solutions and environmental stewardship.
In April, we submitted a final license application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This application details plans to operate the Skagit Hydroelectric Project for the next 50 years. (Interested in learning more? Check out our relicensing update from last fall.)
To address the escalating challenge of wildfires, we refined our Wildfire Risk Reduction Strategy with expanded measures and strategies. We also applied the strategy during the Sourdough fire near our Skagit facilities.
Transportation electrification, a strategic priority, saw great progress in 2023:
- We launched incentive programs and technical support for businesses transitioning to electric fleets and multifamily customers looking to install EV chargers at their properties.
- We are close to completing our pilot program to install public curbside EV charging stations at 31 neighborhood locations across the city.
- We joined statewide partners in unveiling the first electric bus in the Amtrak National Network.
- We collaborated with the Seattle Department of Transportation and ZEV co-op to unveil a new electric ADA-accessible vanshare at Estelita’s Library.
- We hosted two ride-and-drive events and demonstrated how EV charging works at events like the Seattle International Auto Show.
Finally, we invested nearly $785,000 in renewable energy credits through the Green Up Community program. This program facilitated local rooftop solar projects at Highline High School, Brighton Senior Housing, the Evergreen Aquatic Center, and more.
Our support for economic, educational, and environmental development means we do more than just deliver power.
During the 2022-2023 school year, we expanded our Energy Heroes program. We taught more than 2,000 students at 17 schools in our service area about electrical safety, energy conservation, and all things renewable. We also completed a pilot for a new high school workshop on electrification and equity.
We welcomed a new tenant to the Denny Substation. YouthCare, a Seattle-based youth homelessness services provider, will offer educational and workforce development services in the southeast corner of the substation.
We continued enhancing and expanding recreational opportunities at our hydropower facilities. This summer, we opened two new day-use overlooks at the Boundary Reservoir, home to our Boundary Hydroelectric Project. The overlooks not only provide breathtaking views of the landscape, but also make these areas accessible to the public.
We are proud of how our employees go above and beyond to make a difference to our customers and communities.
Our Toys for Tots holiday drive brought in more than $11,000 and filled 91 bags with toys. It was the most successful drive to date.
We also rallied to raise life-saving dollars for the American Heart Association:
- In August, an employee lunch and raffle raised more than $4,000.
- In October, three employee walking teams participated in Puget Sound American Heart & Stroke Walks, raising an additional $2,296.
We express our sincere appreciation to our employees, community partners, and customers for their invaluable contributions to a shared energy future. We remain committed to continued excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Here’s to an even better and brighter 2024!