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Coming Soon: A Time of Use Rate to Help You Choose How to Manage Your Energy Use

At Seattle City Light, we’re working hard to bring you new options to help you better understand and manage your energy use. That’s why we’re excited to announce that an optional Time of Use (TOU) rate will be available to residential and small/medium business customers starting in mid-2025.

With TOU rates, the price you pay for electricity depends on the time of day you use it. During off-peak times, when energy demand is low, electricity costs less. During peak times, when energy demand is high, the cost is higher. This rate encourages energy use when electricity is less expensive, helping you save money while supporting a cleaner, more efficient electric grid.

We’re building an online tool now to ensure that the TOU rate meets your needs. Here’s what we’re working on:

  • Simple sign-up option. You’ll be able to enroll quickly through the Utility Services Website.
  • Helpful resources. We’re creating a rate calculator and educational tools to help you decide if the TOU rate is right for you.
  • Comprehensive support. Our staff are being trained to answer your questions and guide you through the sign-up process.

When the TOU rate launches in 2025, we aim to give you everything you need to make an informed decision.

How to prepare

Here’s how you can get ready now:

  1. Create a Utility Services Website profile. This online account will be your main way to sign up for the TOU rate. Don’t have an account? Sign up today!
  2. Check your meter. TOU rates require an advanced meter (also known as an Advanced Metering Infrastructure or AMI meter). These digital meters record energy usage in 5- or 15-minute intervals and send the data to City Light wirelessly. Most customers already have one, but if you are unsure, learn how to find out on our TOU webpage.
  3. Keep your account in good standing. Make sure your City Light account is up to date with no past-due balances.

We’ll send out communications as we get closer to the 2025 launch date, so you’ll know exactly when and how to enroll.

Why choose the TOU rate?

The TOU rate offers several benefits:

  • Take control of your energy use. Adapting your household routines to run appliances and charge electric vehicles during off-peak hours gives you more control over how you use electricity and can save you money.
  • Help the electrical grid. Using energy during off-peak times reduces strain on the system, helping to prevent overloads and possible power outages. This makes the grid more reliable and ensures there’s enough energy for everyone when demand is highest.
  • Support clean energy goals. By shifting energy use to off-peak times, we can rely more on our renewable energy sources that provide steady power throughout the day.

Stay connected

We’re committed to making the transition to TOU rates smooth and easy for all customers. Keep an eye on our blog and the City Light TOU page for updates, tips, and reminders as we get closer to launch.