Utility Bill Assistance

We understand that the pandemic, inflation, and rising housing costs have made it harder for some customers to afford essential services. That’s why we’re here to help with financial resources to help you get caught up and stay caught up on your utility bills.

Payment plans

Pay what you can now and spread the rest over time with flexible payments.

About SPU's payment plans

Short-term payment plans

If you can pay your past-due balance within 60 days, you can set up a short-term payment plan:

Don't have a profile? Set one up today.

Long-Term Payment Plans with PromisePay

If you need more than 60 days to pay your past-due balance, PromisePay offers flexible, easy-to-manage options: 

  • Choose a payment plan that fits your budget and set a payment schedule that works for you
  • Sign up and manage your plan anytime, 24/7, through the PromisePay portal

Receive helpful text reminders and tools to stay on track with your payments.

How to Get Started:

Residential customers: Sign up online through the PromisePay Portal.

Bill Assistance Programs

Utility Discount Program

If your household income is at or below 70% of the state median income, enroll in the Utility Discount Program to receive an ongoing 50% bill discount on your water, sewer, and solid waste services from Seattle Public Utilities plus a 60% discount on Seattle City Light electricity bills. Learn more about the Utility Discount Program.

Emergency Assistance Program

Income-eligible residential customers can get help paying their utility bill immediately through the Emergency Assistance Program. If you qualify, you could receive up to a maximum of $518 a year ($1036 for households with children under 18) toward your past due balance. Find out if you qualify for Emergency Assistance Program.

If you are enrolled in the Utility Discount Program, you may also be eligible for Emergency Assistance Program. To find out if you qualify, call SPU Customer Service at (206) 684-3000.

Public Utilities

Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO
Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34018, Seattle, WA, 98124-5177
Phone: (206) 684-3000
SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov

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Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is comprised of three major direct-service providing utilities: the Water Utility, the Drainage and Wastewater Utility, and the Solid Waste Utility.