Seattle City Light (SCL) is set to introduce an optional Time of Use (TOU) rate for residential and small/medium business customers starting in Fall 2025, an initiative designed to empower customers to better understand and manage their energy consumption. Initially announced for mid-2025, this new rate structure will allow customers to save money while contributing to a more efficient and reliable electric grid.

Under the TOU rate, the price of electricity will vary depending on the time of day it is used. Electricity will cost less during off-peak hours when demand is low, and more during peak hours when demand is high. This encourages customers to shift their energy-intensive activities to less expensive times, offering greater control over their electricity bills.

Understanding the Three-Tiered Pricing System

Seattle City Light's TOU rate operates on a three-tiered system: peak, mid-peak, and off-peak hours.

• Peak hours (most expensive): These are from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, excluding city holidays. During these hours, the energy charge per kWh for Seattle customers will be $0.1656.

• Mid-peak hours (moderate pricing): These occur from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 9 p.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays and city-observed holidays, mid-peak pricing applies all day from 6 a.m. to midnight. The energy charge per kWh for Seattle customers during mid-peak will be $0.1449.

• Off-peak hours (least expensive): These are from midnight to 6 a.m., every day. The energy charge per kWh for Seattle customers during off-peak will be $0.0828. A base service charge of $0.3077 per day also applies for Seattle customers.

Benefits Beyond Savings

Choosing the TOU rate offers several key advantages for customers and the community:

• Take control of your energy use and save money: By adapting household routines to run appliances and charge electric vehicles during off-peak hours, customers can directly influence their electricity costs.

• Help the electrical grid: Shifting energy use to off-peak times reduces strain on the system, helping to prevent overloads and potential power outages. This enhances grid reliability and ensures sufficient energy for everyone during periods of highest demand.

• Support clean energy goals: By balancing energy demand throughout the day, the TOU rate allows Seattle City Light to rely more on its renewable energy sources, which provide steady power.

How to Prepare for the TOU Rate

To ensure a smooth transition and take advantage of the TOU rate, customers can prepare now:

• Create a Utility Services Website profile: This online account will be the primary method for signing up for the TOU rate.

• 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 wirelessly send data to City Light. Most customers already have one; you can check by looking for a seven-digit number starting with a "2" on your meter’s badge or under the "Detailed Billing Information" section of your bill. This type of meter is necessary for City Light to bill based on when electricity is used.

• Keep your account in good standing: Ensure your City Light account is up to date with no past-due balances.

Seattle City Light is developing an online tool, a rate calculator, and educational resources to help customers determine if the TOU rate is right for them. Staff are also being trained to provide comprehensive support and guide customers through the sign-up process.

Tips for Maximizing Savings

Customers can significantly reduce their bills by adjusting their energy habits:

• Use appliances during off-peak hours: Run dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers late at night or early in the morning. Many have delay-start features.

• Charge electric vehicles (EVs) overnight when rates are lowest.

• Utilize smart technology: Smart thermostats can adjust heating/cooling, Wi-Fi-enabled appliances can use delay-start features, and smart plugs or power strips can schedule devices to turn off when not in use.

• Manage heating and cooling efficiently: Pre-heat or cool your home during off-peak hours, use natural ventilation like open windows or fans, block sunlight with blinds/curtains, and layer up with extra clothes in winter.

• Opt for smaller appliances: Use air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves, or toaster ovens instead of full ovens during peak hours.

• Simple energy-saving practices: Wash laundry with cold water, air dry clothes, and only run dishwashers or washing machines when they are full.

Seattle City Light, established by Seattle citizens in 1902, remains committed to providing affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible electric power. Customers are encouraged to keep an eye on the Seattle City Light blog and the City Light TOU page for further updates, tips, and reminders as the Fall 2025 launch date approaches. You can also sign up for email updates to stay informed