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Washington Electricity Information

Washington state is a leader in clean energy, with hydroelectric power providing the majority of its electricity generation. This abundance of hydroelectric capacity, complemented by wind, solar, and a growing share of natural gas, helps the state maintain one of the lowest carbon footprints for electricity production in the U.S. Coal has almost entirely been phased out, further reducing emissions. Despite the clean energy mix, electricity prices in Washington are slightly above the national average, mainly due to the costs associated with maintaining its extensive hydroelectric infrastructure and transitioning to newer renewable sources.

Emissions in Washington are among the lowest in the country due to the state’s heavy reliance on hydropower, wind, and solar. The state’s commitment to decarbonizing its economy and enhancing its renewable energy grid positions it as a model for sustainability.

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Electricity Production

Primary Source

Hydroelectric

Total Generation: 102,960,605 MWh
Ranks 13th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 12.98¢ /kWh
Ranks 10th Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $101.65
Ranks 3rd Cheapest in the U.S.

Electricity Production By Source

Emissions From Electricity Generation

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rank

35th Highest

13,674 TMT

Sulfer Dioxide Emissions Rank

26th Highest

10,899 tn

Nitrogen Oxide Emissions Rank

35th Highest

14,421 tn

Renewable Electricity Generation

Renewable Production Rank

3rd Highest

69,359,804 MWh
67.37% of Total Production

Source U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Based on data from 2023

Energy Usage in Washington

Energy Usage Per Capita Rank

10th Lowest

Average Per Person: 202 million BTU

Washington’s electricity consumption is influenced by its diverse climate, with coastal areas experiencing mild temperatures and inland regions facing colder winters and hotter summers. In the winter, heating demand is higher, especially in the more temperate eastern part of the state, though many homes use natural gas for heating. During the summer, cooling demand is moderate due to the state’s generally cooler climate, though air conditioning use does increase in hotter regions.

Municipal Utilities in Washington

While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Washington offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Washington, 45 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.

Largest Electric Companies in Washington

The rest of Washington receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:

Washington Natural Gas Information

Washington’s natural gas use is shaped by a mild, marine climate west of the Cascades and colder winters east of the mountains. Heating demand is steady rather than extreme in the Puget Sound region, where cool, damp winters keep furnaces running without the deep cold seen in the Midwest, while eastern Washington sees sharper winter peaks. About 40% of households use natural gas as their primary heating fuel. Most gas in the state goes to buildings and businesses rather than power plants, since hydropower supplies the bulk of Washington’s electricity and keeps gas-fired generation relatively limited.

The market structure reflects that balance. Residential customers generally receive bundled service from utilities like Puget Sound Energy, while larger commercial and industrial customers can qualify for transportation service that lets them buy gas from third-party suppliers and have it delivered by the utility. What makes Washington distinct is how natural gas plays a supporting role rather than a leading one, providing reliable heat for homes and flexibility for businesses in a state where hydropower dominates the electric grid.

Average Natural Gas Price

$2.18 /CCF

Ranks 33rd Cheapest in the U.S.

Average Natural Gas Bill

$77 /month

Ranks 12th Cheapest in the U.S.

Natural Gas Usage Per Capita

49th Lowest

Average Per Person: 34.15 MCFs Annually

Largest Natural Gas Companies in Washington

Many of the residents of Washington receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.

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Washington Internet Connectivity

Broadband Availability

89.53%

Ranks 31st in the U.S.

Percent of Ppopulation with access to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload

1 Gig Availability

35.59%

Ranks 18th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to download speeds of 1 Gbps

Fiber Availability

30.53%

Ranks 11th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to Fiber Internet

Largest Internet Providers in Washington

When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Washington have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Washington homes online and in the loop:

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Your Rights and Seasonal Protections

Washington law provides "moratoriums" and protections to ensure your essential services aren't cut off during dangerous weather or medical crises.

Extreme Heat Protection: Utilities cannot shut off your water or electricity on days when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures of 90°F or higher. If you were already disconnected, you have the right to request reconnection during a heat event.
Winter Moratorium: From November 15 to March 15, low-income households are protected from heating shut-offs if they enter into a payment plan with their provider.
Medical Emergency Protection: If a resident has a life-threatening condition or requires power for medical equipment, you can postpone a shut-off for 60 days by providing a certificate from a doctor.
The 8-Day Rule: Private utility companies must give you at least 8 business days' written notice before disconnecting service for non-payment.

Understanding Your Utility Provider

Washington utilities are managed in two different ways, which changes who you contact if you have a dispute.

Investor-Owned Utilities (Private): Companies like Puget Sound Energy (PSE), Avista, and Pacific Power are for-profit and regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). If you have an unresolved complaint, you can file a formal dispute with the UTC.
Public Utility Districts (PUDs) & Municipals: These are community-owned and run by locally elected boards (e.g., Seattle City Light, Tacoma Public Utilities). Because they are governed by your neighbors, you should contact your local City Council or PUD Commissioner to voice concerns about rates or policies.

Energy Efficiency & Community Solar

Reducing your monthly bill is often the best form of assistance. Washington offers incentives to help you upgrade your home.

Rebates and Incentives

Home Electrification (HEAR) Program: Get rebates for high-efficiency electric appliances like heat pumps, water heaters, and induction stoves. Check the HEAR program status here.
Utility Rebates: Most providers offer cash back for smart thermostats and insulation. Check your provider’s page: PSE Rebates | Seattle City Light Rebates.

Community Solar for Renters

If you rent or have a shaded roof, you can still benefit from solar. By subscribing to a Community Solar project, you receive credits on your bill for power generated by a local solar farm.

Participating Programs: Look into PSE Community Solar or the Snohomish PUD Community Solar project to see if shares are currently available.

Utility Costs in Washington

The average monthly total utility bills in Washington is $256.2, which is 7.56% lower than the national average.

Average Electric Bill

$102

Lower than national average

Average Natural Gas Bill

$77

Lower than national average

Average Water Bill

$78

Higher than national average

Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Vermont

Managing utility costs in Washington is made easier through a variety of state, federal, and local assistance programs. Whether you are a senior on a fixed income, a student facing an emergency, or a veteran in need of support, there are dedicated resources available to help you keep your lights and heat on.

General Energy Assistance Programs

The primary resource for utility assistance in Washington is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This federally funded program provides one-time grants to help low-income households pay their heating bills.

How to Apply: Applications are handled through local community action agencies. You can find your local LIHEAP agency here or call Washington 211 (dial 2-1-1) for a referral.

Major utility providers also offer their own internal discount programs:

Puget Sound Energy (PSE): Offers the HELP (Home Energy Lifeline Program) which can provide up to $1,000 in bill credits, and a Bill Discount Rate that reduces monthly bills by 5% to 45%.
Seattle City Light: The Utility Discount Program (UDP) offers a 60% discount on electricity bills for income-eligible residents.
Avista Utilities: Provides the My Energy Discount program for ongoing monthly savings.

Assistance for Seniors (Age 60+ or 62+)

Many Washington utilities offer specialized rate discounts or grants specifically for seniors and people with disabilities.

Avista Senior Energy Grants: Seniors aged 60+ who may not qualify for standard low-income programs can apply for Senior Energy Grants through local community agencies.
PUD Discounts: Local Public Utility Districts (PUDs) such as Benton PUD, Chelan PUD, and Snohomish PUD offer reduced rates for seniors (typically age 62+) and disabled customers.
Property Tax Exemptions: Seniors over age 61 may also qualify for property tax exemptions that include relief for utility-related assessments.

Support for Veterans and Military Families

Washington state law (RCW 73.08) mandates that every county maintain a Veterans Assistance Fund (VAF) to provide emergency financial relief to indigent veterans and their families. This fund can be used for essential utilities, rent, and food.

County Veterans Programs: You can find your specific county’s application through the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Resource Map.
- Pierce County: Veterans Emergency Assistance
- King County: Veterans Program Financial Assistance
- Thurston County: Veterans’ Assistance Program

Student Emergency Assistance

College students facing a sudden financial crisis that threatens their education can access emergency grants that cover basic needs like utilities.

Community & Technical Colleges: The Student Emergency Assistance Grant (SEAG) helps students at Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges with unexpected expenses.
University-Specific Funds: * University of Washington: Students at all three campuses can apply for UW Emergency Aid.
- Washington State University: Offers the Student Financial Services Emergency Grant.
- Western Washington University: Managed through the Basic Needs Hub, providing referrals and emergency funding.

For immediate help or to find the agency nearest you, visit WA211.org or text your zip code to 898211.

Learn more in the Student Utility Guide