It’s no secret that many lives have been impacted by the affects of COVID-19, both personally and financially. Across the country, many Americans are struggling to pay their bills in full, adding more stress to an already extraordinarily trying time making it harder to afford essential services.
At SPU, we want our rate payers to know that we are working to create compassionate options for those in our community who have been impacted by this crisis. If you or someone you know are struggling to pay utility bills, we can help.
Set Up A Flexible Payment Plan
With a payment plan, you can break up your bill into segments and pay over time with no late fees. Call SPU at (206) 684-3000 and we’ll work with you to set up a plan that works with your budget.
Visit the COVID-19 Assistance information to learn more.
Apply for the Utility Discount Program
The Utility Discount Program (UDP) offers eligible customers a 60% discount on their Seattle City Light bill and a 50% discount on their Seattle Public Utilities bill. UDP is available for income-qualified residential households. Visit the UDP site to learn more.
In response to COVID-19, the City of Seattle has expanded its UDP to assist both income-eligible households as well as those experiencing unexpected financial hardship. Visit the discount enrollment page to enroll now.
Apply for the Emergency Assistance Program
It’s easier than ever to qualify for the Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) to receive immediate help. If you qualify for emergency assistance, you could receive up to $448 toward your utility bill.
To qualify for emergency assistance, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Your property must be a single-family residence. Duplexes, apartments, and commercial properties do not qualify for emergency assistance.
- Your gross household income is at or below 80% of Washington’s State Median Income.
- Your Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) account is in your name or, if you rent, your City Light account is in your name.
- You have not already received emergency assistance from Seattle Public Utilities during this calendar year. (If children under the age of 18 live in your household, then you are eligible for assistance twice within the calendar year.)
Visit the EAP site to learn more.
In response to COVID-19, utility shutoffs and late fees are on hold for now. As things begin to return to normal, so will our billing practices. By paying what you can today and by contacting SPU to set up a plan, you’ll make your bill more bearable down the road. Let us help you avoid future shutoffs by creating a plan today.
To learn more and to find out if a payment plan or our financial assistance program is right for you, visit seattle.gov/utilities/covidhelp.