What Is The Average Electric Bill in Seattle [2024 Updated]

Washington State also reflects the change in the consumption and electric rates. The state's average residential electricity rate is 12.34 ¢/kWh, comparatively lower than Seattle's. Assuming the average monthly consumption in Washington is also 1,110 kWh, the monthly electric bill would be approximately $136.97, which is lower than Seattle's average.

Similarly, Seattle's average electric rate differs in different cities and states. For instance, New York has the highest electric rate at 24.51 ¢/kWh, significantly higher than Seattle's rate and the entire Washington state. Maryland also has a higher rate of 17.41 ¢/kWh, and Las Vegas also stands at 16.1 ¢/kWh, comparatively higher than Seattle. In contrast, Oklahoma has a much lower rate of 12.37 ¢/kWh, and Florida's rate is slightly higher than Seattle's at 13.89 ¢/kWh.

Check out the detailed comparison table for a better understanding:

What Are The Electric Rates in Seattle?

The electric rate is the amount a consumer is charged by the electricity or utility provider for each unit of electricity they use in their residential, commercial, or industrial property. The electricity rate varies by demographic, type of energy used, time of year, and the utility company's pricing structure.

For instance, when we compare the electricity rates from Seattle with the nationwide on the grounds of end users, we also find a significant change in the rates. For instance, Washington's electricity rates for residential are 12.34 ¢/kWh, 10.46 ¢/kWh for commercial and 6.17 ¢/kWh for industrial users. When these rates are compared with the EIA's national average, we find that the current rates are 16.41 ¢/kWh for residential, 13.10 ¢/kWh for commercial, and 8.44 ¢/kWh for industrial—Seattle's rates are notably lower across all sectors.

Choose Electric Rate in Seattle

From Electrical Utility Providers to Clearwater Power, Columbia REA, Skamania PUD, Seattle City Lights, and more, there are several electricity providers in Washington. When choosing the best electric rate, one should always consider several factors, like:

Usage Consumption

On average, the monthly electricity consumption in Seattle comes to around 1100 kWh. You can start by analyzing the appliances and the wattage to learn about your monthly usage. This way, you can understand which plan from which provider fits your needs.

Compare Providers

Even though Seattle City Lights is the primary public utility provider, with a base charge of 27.27¢ per day and a rate of 12.91 ¢/kWh for the first 300 kWh per month, it is always recommended to check different electricity and utility providers who can offer better rates.

Look For Green Energy Options

Around 80% of Seattle City Light's power is generated from carbon-free hydroelectricity. If sustainability is something that you look for, then you can even choose a provider with a high percentage of renewable energy sources.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Seattle?

Seattle is one of the country's fastest-growing large cities and with large infrastructures and job opportunities, several people from different states plan to move to this seaport city in Washington. The cost to live in Seattle varies, but a single person living in a one-bedroom apartment will cost roughly $3775 monthly.

However, if you are a family of four, then the estimated cost of living will cross the $6300 mark every month. The monthly cost of living in Seattle and any other city in Washington or other states depends on different utilities, for instance:

Electricity Charges in Seattle

The electric charges in Seattle depend on the ongoing electricity rate and monthly energy consumption. Considering the average monthly consumption of 1,110 kWh and the current rate of 13.9 ¢/kWh, the monthly average electricity bill in Seattle is around $154.29.

Natural Gas

Most households use natural gas for heating and cooking. According to BLS, the current charges are $1.334 per therm, which roughly comes to around $100 - $150 monthly, depending on usage behavior.

Water & Sewer Charges in Seattle

There are different water and sewer cleaning companies in Seattle. On average, a family of four will see $70 - $80 per month added to their expenses due to water consumption. Similarly, the sewer cleaning charges also come around $90 - $100 per month.

Cable TV & Internet Charges

Seattle has several cable TV and Internet service providers. Their monthly costs range from $80 to $100, depending on the speed and download limits.

As you can see from the above table, electricity, and natural gas usage are amongst the top utilities that add maximum to your monthly expenses. In order to lower the utilities cost, there are a few tips that you can follow, for instance:

Controlled Usage: Try to control your usage during the on-peak hours without jeopardizing your comfort. You can move laundry and dishwashing to after 8 PM when the usual off-peak hours start.

Upgrade Appliance: If you are still using old appliances that require maintenance, then try upgrading them to the ones that do not consume extra energy.

Unplug Appliances: Appliances like soundbars, PlayStation 4 or 5, coffee makers, etc., tend to consume electricity even when they are not operational. Always unplug such devices from the power strip or get a smart power strip to ensure that they do not take power during standby modes.

Go Solar: You can always use solar generators, like Jackery Solar Generator, to reduce your overall dependency on the power supply. This will lead to lower electricity bills every month.

Why Is My Electric Bill So High in Seattle?

Many Seattle residents wonder why their electric bills are so high. As per reports, the electric rate from January to April has increased 1.4% in only four months. There are several factors that contribute to these increased rates. Some of them are:

Weather Condition

Seattle's weather conditions also have an impact on the electricity rates. The summers are relatively dry, leading to excessive use of air conditioners or portable coolers. At the same time, colder months demand room heaters, which can further drive up electricity consumption.

Household Appliances

Several household appliances can also influence electricity bills. For instance, using a 1500-watt space heater for 8 hours per day can add approximately $50 to your monthly bill in Seattle. Similarly, using 100-watt incandescent bulbs instead of LED bulbs for 10 hours daily can add $4 to your monthly bills.

Energy Consumption Pattern

Both energy consumption patterns and appliance efficiency play important factors in monthly consumption. If you are still using older, less efficient appliances, they will tend to consume more electricity.

How To Lower My Electric Bill in Seattle?

If you aim to lower your average electric bill in Seattle, then there are several strategic changes that you will need to make. It starts by investing in energy-efficient appliances and then moving to on-grid alternatives. Here are some practical tips to help you reduce your monthly electricity costs:

Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

The first step that you can do is to replace all of your older appliances with energy-efficient models. You can go to marketplaces or local retail stores and buy the appliances that come with the ENERGY STAR label, which aims to consume less electricity.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Nowadays, you can buy smart thermostats that help you manage your heating and cooling more efficiently by automatically adjusting the temperature when you are asleep or away from home.

Upgrade Your Lighting

Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer.

Unplug Idle Electronics

Many electronics consume power even when turned off. Unplugging devices like chargers, coffee makers, and entertainment systems when not in use can help cut down on phantom energy usage.

Choose Solar Energy

Solar energy has several benefits for powering and charging household appliances. It reduces the average monthly electric bill in Seattle and is also environmentally friendly.

According to the latest data, the cost of installing solar panels comes to around $20,000 per household. If you invest this lump sum amount in solar panel installation and consider a 2.4% annual increase in electricity prices, then in the first year, you can save $1800. However, in the next five years, your savings will turn out to be $9400, and you will recover the entire $20,000 in the next ten years. In 20 years, you will save a whopping $45,300.

That said, if you cannot go ahead with this large amount or are looking for something portable that you can carry around if you move to a different city or state, then you can check out Jackery Solar Generators. These are economical compared to full-fledged solar panel installations and can also charge most heavy-duty appliances.

Jackery Solar Generators For Lowering Your Electric Bills

Jackery is an international manufacturer of solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. The company was founded in 2012, and since its inception, it has been the recipient of notable awards. With multiple patents registered, Jackery has sold more than 4 million solar-related products to a global audience.

Jackery Solar Generators come with high-quality Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels. These panels have a honeycomb-like structure that harnesses maximum sunlight with their monocrystalline silicon solar cells. The harnessed energy is later converted into AC electricity with the help of the Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station's pure sine wave inverter. The converted energy can charge multiple appliances at the same time.

Jackery Solar Generators are easy-to-use and quickly chargeable units that can charge up to 99% of household appliances, like air conditioners, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners, laptops, LED lights, and more. With the capacity to charge multiple appliances simultaneously, you can effectively reduce your monthly average electric rate in Seattle.

Jackery has several best-selling solar generators that help in charging household and outdoor appliances. But if reducing your monthly electric bill is your primary target and you are looking for something for the long run, you can check out the following solar generators:

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a powerful generator that can charge in extreme temperatures. With less operational noise than a running refrigerator, this solar generator is ideal for those who live in areas that face frequent power cuts or are looking to reduce their average electricity bills. It comes with a high-capacity battery that easily charges air conditioners, portable refrigerators, laptops, CPAP machines, etc.

Appliances Working Hours

• Dishwasher (2400W): 1.0H
• Air Conditioner (2000W): 1.2H
• Circular Saw (1800W): 1.4H
• Convection Oven (1500W): 1.7H
• Coffee Maker (1156W): 2.2H

Customer Review

"This machine is amazing. Great alternative to propane and gas. Quiet and solar charging capable. Recommend to everyone!" -- Ben Ceralde.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is ideal for off-grid living and powering multiple appliances during extended blackouts. This solar generator provides multiple output ports, which help charge different power-wattage appliances concurrently, like air conditioners, portable induction, and more. With the built-in Emergency Power Supply system, your household appliances will start powering within 20 ms of a power outage—it means you won't even find out when this unit starts powering during blackouts!

Appliances Working Hours

• Microwave Oven (1500W): 1.1H
• Toaster (1400W): 1.2H
• Coffee Maker (1156W): 1.5H
• Room Heater (1000W): 1.7H
• Water Pump (460W): 3.7H

Customer Review

"Operated various appliances, including a mid-sized electric heater. Performed as expected. Purchased for emergency situations, and I believe it will do the job." -- Julie Botsko.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)

If you frequently travel outdoors and carry large appliances, like power grills, portable coolers, portable ovens, and even saw machines, and are looking to reduce your dependency on on-grid outlets, then you can always check out the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh). The expanded battery kit allows you to power your household appliances and charge large-wattage appliances.

Appliances Working Hour

• Microwave Oven (1500W): 2.2H
• Toaster (1400W): 2.4H
• Coffee Maker (1156W): 3.0H
• Room Heater (1000W): 3.4H
• Water Pump (460W): 7.4H

Customer Review

"I purchased this for my camping needs when power is not available at campsites for use with my Class A, Pop-up, and truck camping… I am very much liking the system and contemplating purchasing additional panels to supplement the charge rate I already enjoy." -- Chris K.

Seattle Average Electric Bill FAQs

What size of solar generator do I need for my house in Seattle?

The size of the solar generator that you will need in your house in Seattle depends on the size of the apartment, the number of appliances, and the duration for which you intend to use the solar generator.

For instance, if you intend to power an air conditioner (1000W) and one LED light (10W) with Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro, then the working hour can be calculated using the following formula:

Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh * 0.85 / Wattage Consumption of the Appliances

Working Hours = 3024Wh * 0.85/1010W = 2.5H

If you need to power such appliances for 2.5 hours, you can go ahead with the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro. If you need more working hours, you can also check out the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh).

Note: The battery capacity here is multiplied by 0.85, so the power loss during the initial appliance charging can be considered.

What is the average electric bill for 800 sq. ft. Apartment in Seattle?

The average electric bill for an 800-square-foot residential apartment in Seattle is around $130, but depending on the appliances and usage behavior, it can even exceed $150 monthly.

How much does a utility electric bill usually cost in Seattle for a 1 bedroom apartment?

The monthly utility electric bill for a one-bedroom apartment in Seattle comes around $140 - $150. The monthly charges of this utility depend on the monthly consumption and the ongoing electric rates.

What is the average electric bill in WA?

Washington's current residential electricity rate is 12.34 ¢/kWh, and with an average monthly consumption of around 1100 kWh, the average electric bill in WA is $135.74.

How much is the average utility bill in Seattle?

The average utility bill in Seattle is $550 - $700 per month. The charges depend on power consumption, gas usage, and service providers.

Lower Average Electric Bill in Seattle With Solar

With the rise in power consumption and change in usage behavior, it is estimated that by April 2025, the average electric bill in Seattle will be close to 13.425 ¢/kWh, and by 2030, the electric rate will come to around 15.55 ¢/kWh. If you are also worried about the rise in electricity charges and finding ways to lower your monthly bill, then you can check out Jackery Solar Generators. The portable and compact nature of these generators makes them ideal for household emergencies and outdoor adventures. With Jackery Solar Generator, you can effectively charge an air conditioner, refrigerator, vacuum cleaner, CPAP machine, and more.