Bill Assistance Programs
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. If you are a tenant whose Seattle Public Utilities services are paid by a landlord or homeowner’s association, but you still have a City Light account, you can receive Seattle Public Utilities credits toward your electric bill. Learn more by visiting the Seattle Public Utilities website.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Utility Discount Program, you must have a Seattle City Light account in your name and meet the following total household income requirements:
| 2024 Income Eligibility Guide | ||
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Household Income | Gross Annual Household Income |
| 1 | $3,689 | $44,268 |
| 2 | $4,825 | $57,900 |
| 3 | $5,960 | $71,520 |
| 4 | $7,095 | $85,140 |
| 5 | $8,230 | $98,760 |
| 6 | $9,366 | $112,392 |
| 7 | $9,578 | $114,936 |
| 8 | $9,791 | $117,492 |
| 9 | $10,004 | $120,048 |
| 10 | $10,217 | $122,604 |
| Each additional household member | $213 | $2,556 |
Application Process
To apply for the Utility Discount Program and/or Emergency Bill Assistance, you will need for each household member 18 years of age or older who earns income:
- Your City Light account number and primary name on the account
- 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 Online Application Help Guide.
We recommend applying online. However, a printable paper application is available here for download or by request, contact (206) 684-3000 or 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 $660 per calendar year in emergency assistance to reduce their past-due balances. Households with children under the age of 18 may be eligible for up to $1320 in assistance per calendar year.
Eligibility
To be eligible for emergency assistance, you must have a Seattle City Light account in your name and meet the following total household income requirements:
| 2024 Income Eligibility Guide | ||
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Household Income | Gross Annual Household Income |
| 1 | $4,217 | $50,604 |
| 2 | $5,514 | $66,168 |
| 3 | $6,811 | $81,732 |
| 4 | $8,109 | $97,308 |
| 5 | $9,406 | $112,872 |
| 6 | $10,704 | $128,448 |
| 7 | $10,947 | $131,364 |
| 8 | $11,190 | $134,280 |
| 9 | $11,433 | $137,196 |
| 10 | $11,677 | $140,124 |
| Each additional household member | $244 | $2,928 |
Application Process
To apply for the Utility Discount Program and/or Emergency Bill Assistance, you will need for each household member 18 years of age or older who earns income:
- Your City Light account number and primary name on the account
- 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 Online Application Help Guide.
We recommend applying online. However, a printable paper application is available here for download or by request, contact (206) 684-3000 or SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov.
Other Financial Assistance Resources
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides federal grants applied directly to your utility bill. LIHEAP also provides education, budget counseling, and weatherization services for those that meet income-eligibility requirements.
Eligibility
| 2024 - 2025 Income Eligibility Guide | |
| Household Size | Monthly Household Income |
| 1 | $1,883 |
| 2 | $2,555 |
| 3 | $3,228 |
| 4 | $3,900 |
| 5 | $4,573 |
| 6 | $5,245 |
| 7 | $5,918 |
| 8 | $6,590 |
| 9 | $7,263 |
| 10 | $7,935 |
Application Process
Contact the agency assigned to where your home is located.
Seattle City Limits
City Light customers living within Seattle city limits can learn more and apply at Byrd Barr Place.
North of Seattle City Limits
Customers living north of Seattle city limits can learn more and apply at Hopelink.
South of Seattle City Limits
Customers living south of Seattle city limits can learn more and apply at Multi-Service Center.
State Home Energy Assistance Program (SHEAP)
The new State Home Energy Assistance Program (SHEAP) helps people in Washington pay their utility bills and move to low-to-no carbon heating and cooling options. SHEAP is available for individuals and families who are making up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Eligibility
| 2024 - 2025 Income Eligibility Guide | |
| Household Size | Monthly Household Income |
| 1 | $5,887 |
| 2 | $6,729 |
| 3 | $7,570 |
| 4 | $8,408 |
| 5 | $9,083 |
| 6 | $9,754 |
| 7 | $10,429 |
| 8 | $11,293 |
| 9 | $12,049 |
| 10 | $12,806 |
Application Process
Contact the agency assigned to where your home is located.
Seattle City Limits
City Light customers living within Seattle city limits can learn more and apply at Byrd Barr Place.
North of Seattle City Limits
Customers living north of Seattle city limits can learn more and apply at Hopelink.
South of Seattle City Limits
Customers living south of Seattle 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.