Utility Discount Program offered by City of Seattle's Human Services Department
Offers a 60% discount on Seattle City Light and 50% discount on Seattle Public Utility bills for those below 70% state median income. Due to COVID-19, expedited enrollment available.
Utility Discount Program - Offers a rate discount for income-eligible Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities (water, sewer, garbage) customers.
Discount is approximately 60% for Seattle City Light and 50% for Seattle Public Utilities.
If a landlord pays all utilities, qualifying low-income tenants may still be eligible for utility financial help.
More information:
1. How long does it take to process my application?
Due to large volume of applications received, the average time to process an application is 1-2 months.
However, if your application has all the requested documents (government issued photo ID, one month of income documentation for all household members aged 18 and older) it will shorten the process time and help expedite the approval process.
2. How will I know if I’ve been approved?
If you have a Seattle City Light bill or a Seattle Public Utilities bill in your name, the discount will be noted "Utility Discount Program Savings" on your bill.
Please note: If you live in the SPU service territory and do not have an SPU bill in your name, you may be eligible for the utility credit, which may be added to your SCL account.
3. Will this help with the bill that I have now?
The Utility Discount Program is retroactive back to the date the application is received if all required documents are submitted with the application. We recommend that applicants continue to make payments or seek other options (payment arrangements or other programs that can help with the immediate bill(s)).
4. What if I have a disconnect bill (SPU or SCL bill that says non-payment will result in service disconnection) and I’ve been waiting for my application to be processed?
Please contact SCL or SPU directly and make payment arrangements if you are unable to pay the full amount. You may also be eligible for other assistance such as the Energy Assistance Program (SPU), Emergency Bill Assistance (SCL) or Project Share (SCL).
Please note many programs may have different requirements and eligibility processes. Submitting an application does not guarantee benefits or an expedited process if your household is subject to disconnection.
5. How much is the discount and how long will I be on the program?
The discount is approximately 50% to 60% for qualifying SCL or SPU bills. The average time you will be on the program once approved is two years for non-senior households and three years for senior-only (ages 65+) households.
Thirty-seven days prior to a customer's recertification date, the customer is contacted by telephone and/or email. If a customer does not have a phone number, thirty-six days prior to the recertification date, the customer is sent a postcard. Customers will need to complete a recertification form with an updated household status and provide supporting documents.
6. Will the discount move with me if I move to another apartment or another residence?
Yes. Customers that moved to another residence or another unit in the same apartment must first contact SCL to request the discount moved to their new address and then contact the Utility Discount Program for a follow-up. If you are up for recertification, you must first complete the recertification process prior to having the discount moved to the new address.
Utility Rate Reduction offered at City of Granite Falls
Offers a 30% discount off water to those 65 and older and disabled individuals who qualify for property tax discount.
Offers a 30% discount off water to those 65 and older and disabled individuals who qualify for property tax discount. Must be a homeowner and be receiving the Snohomish County property tax exemption.
Utilities & Utility Discount Program offered at City of Port Townsend
Preforms billing operations for city water, sewer and storm drainage. Offers payment arrangements and discount programs.
The City of Port Townsend provides the following utilities to customers within the coverage area: Water, Sewer & Storm Drain. Within City limits, garbage service is mandatory and is contracted out with Waste Connections. For income-qualified applicants, a discounted utility rate is available and extends to all City utilities (including mandatory garbage service). Discounts reduce the customer's monthly base rate for utilities anywhere from 25% - 75% (depending on household gross income). Discount categories include: Income-Qualified Households (discounted rate lasts for 1 year), Senior Citizens (discounted rate lasts for 3 years) and Citizens with Disabilities (discounted rate lasts for 3 years).
Low-Income Programs offered at City of Bremerton - Utility Billing
Manages utility billing questions about rates and consumption, takes payments, and takes applications for the senior/disabled subsidy program.
Low-Income Disabled Citizen Water/Wastewater/Stormwater Subsidy Program - This program is designed to give relief to low-income disabled citizens. Utility account must be in the name of the applicant. Applicant must reside at the service address. For complete program details go online.
Utility Rate Reduction offered at Alderwood Water and Wastewater District
Offers a discount on water and sewer charges to low income senior citizens or permanently disabled low income residents. Resident must submit application and show proof of income and disability.
Offers a discount on water and sewer bill to low income senior citizens 62 and older or low income permanent disabled residents. Resident must submit application and show proof of income and proof of permanent disability. The applicant must reside in residence and be named on billing statement or show proof of a lease agreement. Discount also applies to renters who have an individual water meter.
Ronald Wastewater District and North City Water District customers may apply for water and sewer discounts. Income restrictions apply. Ronald Wastewater customers must be age 62 and older or have a disability.
Offers water and sewer utility bill discounts to customers of the Ronald Wastewater District or North City Water District.
Utility Discount offered at Woodinville Water District
Offers a utility discount for water service for those who meet income guidelines.
Provides water and sewer services to the Woodinville area.
Offers a utility discount for water and sewer services for those who meet income guidelines:
- Provides a 50% discount on the base water meter charge
- First 10 CCF of water used is billed at 50 cents per CCF.
Any water used over 10 CCF is billed at the regular rate.
Utility Rate Reduction offered at Arlington Public Works
Offers 40% reduction to eligible city residents for water, sewer, and stormwater services.
The City of Arlington offers a 40% reduction in rates to qualified low income senior citizens and low income disabled customers for water, sewer, stormwater, and ambulance services provided by the city. The program includes both homeowners and renters who live in a primary residence receiving a separate Arlington utility bill for service.
Utility Bill Reduced Rates offered by City of Bellingham
Offers reduced rates for water, sewer and storm water utilities provided by the City of Bellingham.
Offers reduced rates for water, sewer and storm water utilities provided by the City of Bellingham. Households can receive a 25-75% reduction depending on income.
Provides water/sewer services to those in the Bonney Lake area. Payments can be mailed or made in person. Also offers discount rate to senior or disabled homeowners that also have the property tax exemption from the Pierce County Assessor.
Provides water and sewer services to those in the Bonney Lake area.
Payments can be mailed or made in person.
Also offers a discount rate to senior or disabled homeowners that are receiving the property tax exemption from Pierce County Government.
May also re-connect water services during National Weather Service heat-related warnings.
Utility Discount Program offered at Coal Creek Utility District
Offers a 50% water and sewer discount for older adults and customers with disabilities. Income restrictions also apply.
Offers a water and sewer discount for older adults and customers with disabilities. Income restrictions also apply.
Approved customers will receive a 50% reduction in their water and/or sewer bi-monthly base rate on their billing cycle.
Utility Rate Reduction offered at City of Mountlake Terrace
Provides a 30% discount on utility charges for eligible residents of the City of Mountlake Terrace.
30% discount on the utility bill for low income homeowners age 62 and over and disabled homeowners of any age who reside at their property within Mountlake Terrace city limits.
Utility Services offered at City of Chehalis - Public Works - Administration
Provides water, sewer and stormwater services to Chehalis residents. Also provides a discount rate to low income seniors, and low income residents on disability.
Provides water, sewer and storm-water services to Chehalis residents.
Also provides a discount rate to low income seniors, and low income residents on disability.
Offers a discount on water and sewer to residents of Edmonds who meet low income criteria.
At the time of filing the application, the dwelling unit must be occupied by the person claiming eligibility for the discount, the dwelling unit must be the principal place of residence, and the occupant claiming the reduced rate must be head of the household. Must reapply for program each June.
Utility Discount Programs offered at City of Bothell
This city offers a 25% water and sewer discount to low income older adults. Offers a utility tax rebate to all low-income Bothell residents who pay a city utility tax.
Offers a 25% water and sewer discount to low income older adults.
Offers a utility tax rebate to all low-income Bothell residents for electric, natural gas, and/or telephone services.
- City utility taxes paid between $50 to $74 per year: $50 Tax Rebate
- City utility taxes paid between $75 to $99 per year: $75 Tax Rebate
- City utility taxes paid from $100 and up per year: $100 Tax Rebate
Discounted Rates for Seniors and Customers with Disabilities offered by Skyway Water and Sewer
Offers discounted water and sewer service for adults ages 62 and older and customers with a verified disability. Provides service to residents located in the West Hill area of unincorporated King County.
Offers discounted water and sewer service for older adults and customers with disabilities. Provides service to residents located in the West Hill area of unincorporated King County.
Utilities Discount & Assistance offered at City of Bellevue
Provides up to 75% discount on Bellevue water, wastewater and drainage bills for seniors, ages 62 and older, and adults with documented disabilities. Tax Relief Program available to any household in Bellevue service area meeting income guidelines.
Utility Rate Relief: The City of Bellevue offers low–income seniors (62 and older) and low–income permanently disabled persons relief on their utility costs for water, wastewater and drainage.
Rate Relief offers up to 75 percent off utility costs for seniors and permanently disabled persons who meet specific residency and income guidelines.
Program applies to citizens that pay for their utility costs directly to the city and to those who pay their utility costs through rent or other third party.
Utility Tax Relief: Bellevue’s Tax Relief Program offers a year-end rebate check for a portion of the Utility Occupation Taxes paid to the city.
This program is open to persons living in the service area of Bellevue Utilities that meet low–income guidelines.
Emergency Assistance
Offers a 100% discount on a basic level of service (benefit not to exceed $289 per bill) for up to 2 bills (4 months) of utility service charges if experiencing a one-time financial shock that interferes with the household’s ability to cover basic needs.
This assistance is available once every 3 years.
Provides solid waste, yard waste, water, sewer and storm drainage services to Buckley residents. Current City of Buckley utility customers may qualify for a discount if they are senior or disabled.
Provides solid waste, yard waste, water, sewer and storm drainage services to Buckley residents.
Customers of City of Buckley utilities may be eligible for a discounted utility rate if they are low income senior or disabled households.
Offers a utility discount for water, sewer, and storm water to low-income customers. Discount is between 10% and 20% off the base rate, depending on income.
Offers a utility discount for water, sewer, and storm water to low-income customers. Discount is between 10% and 20% off the base rate, depending on income.
Senior Citizen Utility Discount Rate offered at City of Gig Harbor - Civic Center
Provides a discount rate for low-income senior citizens (62 and older) who have a City of Gig Harbor utility bill in their name. Service is provided to who are permanent, year-round residents in the City of Gig Harbor's service area.
Provides a discount rate for low-income senior citizens (62 and older) who have a City of Gig Harbor utility bill in their name.
Service is provided to who are permanent, year-round residents in the City of Gig Harbor's service area.
Homeowners and renters can use this service.
Utility Billing and Senior/Disabled Discount offered at City of Poulsbo
Provides water and garbage services to the city of Poulsbo. For questions about billing, payments, or for the Senior/Disabled Citizen rate discount call for assistance.
Provides water and garbage services to the city of Poulsbo. For questions about billing, payments, or for the Senior/Disabled Citizen rate discount call for assistance.