City Light is committed to ensuring all customers have access to clean, affordable electricity no matter their financial circumstances. In addition to repayment options for all, we have programs to help income-eligible customers lower their bills and reduce their past due balances.
Have more questions or need help with your application? Call our knowledgeable customer care team at (206) 684-3000 Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. or submit a question online anytime.
Find the Bill Payment Assistance You Need
Utility Discount Program
Want to pay less on your utility bills? We encourage all income-eligible customers to enroll in the Utility Discount Program to receive an ongoing 60% discount on electricity bills, plus a 50% bill discount for customers who receive their water, sewer, and solid waste services from Seattle Public Utilities, even if your landlord pays the bill.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Utility Discount Program, you must meet the following requirements:
- You have a Seattle City Light account in your name
- Your total household income is at or below the following income guidelines:
| 2023 Income Eligibility Guide | ||
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Household Income | Gross Annual Household Income |
| 1 | $3,441 | $41,292 |
| 2 | $4,500 | $54,000 |
| 3 | $5,558 | $66,696 |
| 4 | $6,617 | $79,404 |
| 5 | $7,676 | $92,112 |
| 6 | $8,734 | $104,808 |
| 7 | $8,933 | $107,196 |
| 8 | $9,131 | $109,572 |
| 9 | $9,330 | $111,960 |
| 10 | $9,528 | $114,336 |
| Each additional household member | $199 | $2,388 |
Application Process
To apply, you will need your City Light account number and primary name on the account, plus the following for each household member 18 years of age or older who earns income:
- Government-issued identification
- Income documentation
If you are a SNAP participant, you will only be asked for your City Light account number and your SNAP Approval Letter for Benefits, including both the cover page and calculation page. Find an example of the DSHS approval letter for benefits on the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services site (Approval Letter Example).
Download the Application Help Guide.
Download a Printable Application.
We recommend applying online. However, a paper application is available on request. Please call (206) 684-3000 or email SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov.
Emergency Bill Assistance Program
At the risk of shutoff or behind on your electricity bill? If you have received an urgent or final shutoff notice OR have a past due balance of $250 or more, and meet the below income eligibility requirements, our Emergency Bill Assistance Program can help. Eligible customers may receive up to $1,000 annually (one-time per calendar year) in immediate, emergency assistance to reduce their past due balance.
To apply, you will need the following for each household member 18 years of age or older:
- You have a Seattle City Light account in your name
- City Light account number and primary name on the account
- Government-issued identification
- Income documentation
Download the application Help Guide. We recommend applying online. However, a paper application is available on request, contact (206) 684-3000 or SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov.
Eligibility
To be eligible for emergency assistance, you must have a Seattle City Light bill in your name and meet the following total household income requirements:
| 2023 Income Eligibility Guide | ||
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Household Income | Gross Annual Household Income |
| 1 | $3,932 | $47,184 |
| 2 | $5,142 | $61,704 |
| 3 | $6,352 | $76,224 |
| 4 | $7,562 | $90,744 |
| 5 | $8,772 | $105,264 |
| 6 | $9,982 | $119,784 |
| 7 | $10,209 | $122,508 |
| 8 | $10,436 | $125,232 |
| 9 | $10,663 | $127,956 |
| 10 | $10,890 | $130,680 |
| Each additional household member | $227 | $2,724 |
Other Financial Assistance Resources
This federal program helps you find assistance to pay your utility bill and provides education, budget counseling and weatherization services for those that meet income-eligibility requirements.
Contact the agency assigned to where your home is located.
City Light customers living within Seattle city limits can learn more and apply at Byrd Barr Place.
Customers living north of Seattle city limits can learn more and apply at Hopelink.
Customers who live south of Seattle, outside the city limits can learn more and apply at Multi-Service Center.
You may be eligible for the City of Seattle's weatherization program, providing insulation and heating system replacement or repair to help you save energy, lower your utility bill and improve the comfort of your home.