Seattle Utility Discount Program (UDP)

Quick Facts

• Major savings: UDP cuts electric bills by 60% and water/sewer/garbage bills by 50%, translating into average savings of $1,200–$1,500 per year for qualifying households.
• Coordinated agencies: Seattle Human Services Department administers eligibility, while Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities apply credits directly to customer accounts. Solid Waste services run through SPU and private haulers (Recology, Waste Management), with discounts passed through the billing system.
• Inclusive access: Renters, homeowners, and even residents in subsidized housing can qualify. Tenants in master-metered buildings receive rebates or adjustments through landlord coordination.
• Additional supports: UDP participants get priority for emergency utility assistance, weatherization, energy efficiency upgrades, and financial empowerment coaching.
• Flexible documentation: The program accepts a broad range of income proofs, including self-employment ledgers, benefit award letters, zero-income affidavits, and statements from social service providers.

Eligibility and Income Limits

Seattle uses 80% of the Washington State Median Income (SMI) to set eligibility thresholds, reflecting the region’s high cost of living. For 2025, estimated monthly income caps are roughly:

• 1 person: $3,644
• 2 people: $4,769
• 3 people: $5,894
• 4 people: $7,019
• 5 people: $8,144
• 6 people: $9,269

Household size includes everyone living at the address who shares expenses, regardless of relationship or immigration status. Mixed-status families can apply; Social Security numbers are not required for all members, but you must provide alternate IDs if SSNs are unavailable.

Applicants must have service in Seattle City Light or Seattle Public Utilities territory. If utilities are included in rent, you may still qualify through the Tenant Self-Declaration option, where UDP negotiates with landlords to pass savings through as rent credits or direct rebates.

Application Process

1. Gather documents: Acceptable proofs include pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements showing direct deposits, benefit letters (SSI, SSDI, TANF, SNAP), unemployment statements, or a letter from a case manager verifying zero income. Provide IDs like driver’s licenses, passports, school IDs, or community organization affidavits.
2. Choose an application method:
   • Online: Fill out the secure application at the Human Services Department website. Upload documents or take photos via smartphone.
   • Phone: Call 206-684-0268 to conduct an interview and mail or email documents.
   • In-person: Visit the Utility Discount Program office or schedule an appointment at a community partner like El Centro de la Raza, API Chaya, or Neighborhood House.
3. Complete the consent form: Sign releases allowing the City to verify income with partner agencies and share enrollment status with utilities.
4. Await approval: Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks. Urgent cases (shutoff notices) can be expedited—mention emergencies when applying.
5. Receive confirmation: Once approved, you receive a letter and email detailing the discount amounts and recertification date. Credits appear on your utility bills within one to two billing cycles.

Benefit Details

• Seattle City Light (electric): 60% discount on the total electric portion of the bill, including base service charges and energy usage. Customers on Budget Billing see the discount applied to the averaged amount.
• Seattle Public Utilities (water/sewer/garbage): 50% reduction in service charges, drainage fees, and solid waste collection. For multifamily residents whose landlord handles utilities, the program provides a rebate or reduces the landlord’s consolidated bill with instructions to pass savings through.
• Emergency Assistance: UDP participants can access up to $1,000 in emergency credits annually if facing shutoff due to hardship. This is in addition to the standard discount.
• Weatherization and appliance replacement: The City’s Office of Housing and nonprofit partners offer free insulation, air sealing, heat pump installs, and appliance upgrades to UDP households, prioritizing older homes and residents with disabilities.
• Solar and resilience programs: Seattle City Light pilots community solar credits for low-income households. UDP enrollment helps you qualify for these limited opportunities.

Maintaining Enrollment

• Recertification every 18 months: The program sends reminders 60 days before the deadline. Submit updated income documents to continue receiving discounts.
• Report changes: Notify the program within 30 days if you move, add household members, or experience significant income changes. If your income exceeds the threshold temporarily, you may receive a six-month grace period before removal.
• Stay current on reduced bills: Even with discounts, missed payments can accumulate. Set up autopay or budget billing to keep accounts current.

Strategies to Maximize Benefits

• Combine with Seattle City Light payment plans: Request the Utility Discount Payment Plan to spread past-due balances over 12 months with no interest. Each on-time payment keeps your UDP status active.
• Layer assistance for renters: If utilities are bundled with rent, ask the landlord to confirm the portion of rent covering utilities. Provide this letter to UDP so they can calculate the rebate accurately. Monitor rent statements to ensure the discount is passed through.
• Use community resources: Financial Empowerment Centers, United Way’s Bridge to Finish, and Seattle Public Library offer budgeting workshops tailored to UDP participants.
• Protect from shutoffs: Enrolled customers receive extra protections during extreme weather. Update contact info so you receive alerts about moratoria and assistance funds.
• Invest savings: Redirect savings to emergency funds, debt repayment, or efficiency upgrades like LED lighting and smart thermostats.

Example Scenarios

• Family in Rainier Valley: Four-person household with $5,800 monthly income (below the $7,019 limit) sees electric bills drop from $180 to $72 and combined water/sewer/garbage from $160 to $80. Annual savings exceed $2,000, enabling investment in after-school programs.
• Senior renter in Capitol Hill: Lives in a master-metered building with utilities included in rent. UDP coordinates with the landlord to apply a $60 monthly rent credit. The senior also qualifies for the King County property tax exemption and emergency cooling centers.
• Immigrant entrepreneur in South Park: Runs a small food business with fluctuating income. Provides bank statements and a profit-and-loss ledger to verify eligibility. Receives UDP discount plus a $700 emergency credit during a slow season, preventing disconnection.

Troubleshooting and Appeals

• Incomplete documentation: If you receive a “pending” letter, submit missing documents within 30 days. Call the UDP hotline to confirm receipt.
• Language access: Services are available in Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese. Request interpreters when scheduling appointments.
• Disputes: If you believe your discount was removed unfairly, request a supervisor review or submit a written appeal to the Human Services Department. Provide evidence of income and payment history.
• Moving out of Seattle: Discounts do not transfer outside City Light/SPU territory. Apply for assistance with your new utility immediately to avoid gaps.

Additional Resources

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Administered by agencies like Byrd Barr Place; can provide lump-sum credits in addition to UDP.
• Utility Discount Program for Drainage-Only Accounts: Homeowners outside the city but within SPU drainage territory can qualify for drainage fee discounts.
• Community solar and resilience hubs: Seattle invests in solar panels and backup power at community centers. UDP households receive invitations to enroll or participate in resilience planning workshops.

Contact Information

• Utility Discount Program Hotline: 206-684-0268 (Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.)
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.seattle.gov/humanservices/services-and-programs/utility-discount-program
• In-person office: Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 Fifth Avenue, 58th Floor, Seattle, WA 98104 (appointments recommended)

With a combination of deep discounts, emergency aid, and wraparound services, Seattle’s Utility Discount Program transforms utility affordability. Staying organized with documentation, recertifying on time, and tapping into complementary resources ensures Seattle residents reap the full benefits of this nationally recognized model.