Compare Utility Providers in Seattle, WA

Electric Providers in Seattle

Natural Gas Providers in Seattle

Top 13 Internet Providers in Seattle

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas.

Water & Sewage Providers in Seattle

Top 11 Trash and Recycling Providers in Seattle

Utilities Summary for Seattle, WA

Electric Companies:	1
Natural Gas Companies:	1
Water & Sewage Providers:	2
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	11
Municipal Electricity:	Yes

Setting up Utility Services for Your Home in Seattle

Seattle is a beautiful and dynamic city nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, known for its lush greenery, vibrant tech scene, and eco-conscious culture. Whether you’re moving for work, school, or simply a change of pace, getting your utilities set up is an essential step in making your new house feel like home. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about electricity, natural gas, water, trash, internet, renewable energy options, and financial assistance programs available in Seattle.

Electricity in Seattle

Electricity in Seattle is primarily provided by Seattle City Light, one of the nation’s greenest public utilities. Founded in 1905, the utility delivers carbon-neutral electricity, mostly from hydroelectric sources, to more than 900,000 residents in Seattle and surrounding areas. Seattle City Light is publicly owned, which means that profits are reinvested into infrastructure, energy rebates, and community programs rather than shareholders.

Energy efficiency rebates are available through Seattle City Light’s residential programs. These include:

• Instant rebates on energy-efficient appliances (like fridges and washers)
• Up to $1,200 in rebates for home insulation upgrades
• Discounted LED lighting and smart thermostats
• Rebates for converting from electric to heat pump water heaters

Seattle City Light also offers online energy audits and virtual home energy consultations to help you reduce your monthly bill and environmental impact.

Natural Gas in Seattle

Natural gas service in Seattle is provided by Puget Sound Energy (PSE), the region’s largest utility. PSE supplies natural gas to more than 800,000 customers across western Washington. Their infrastructure serves most of Seattle, although some neighborhoods, especially downtown, may rely more on electric heating.

PSE offers several energy efficiency rebates, including:

• Up to $1,000 for upgrading to an ENERGY STAR high-efficiency gas furnace
• Incentives for smart thermostats, gas tankless water heaters, and weatherization
• No-cost energy consultations for homeowners

Water and Sewer in Seattle

Water and sewer services in Seattle are managed by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), a city-run department committed to sustainability and water quality. SPU sources its water from the protected Cedar and Tolt River watersheds, delivering some of the cleanest drinking water in the nation.

In addition to standard water and sewer services, SPU offers:

• Discounts on low-flow toilets and water-saving fixtures
• Free water-saving kits (showerheads, aerators, etc.)
• Rebates for rain gardens and cisterns through the RainWise program

Water bills in Seattle include charges for water, sewer, and drainage services. The utility’s billing system also includes seasonal rate adjustments to reflect changing consumption patterns.

Trash, Recycling, and Compost

Trash, recycling, and food/yard waste pickup in Seattle is handled by Seattle Public Utilities in partnership with private haulers like Recology and Waste Management. Seattle is a leader in waste reduction, with a citywide goal to divert 70% of waste from landfills.

Every household in Seattle is required to separate waste into three bins:

• Black bin: Garbage (landfill)
• Blue bin: Recycling (paper, plastics, metals)
• Green bin: Compost (food scraps, yard waste, compostable packaging)

Best Internet Providers in Seattle

Seattle offers robust internet options, thanks to its strong tech infrastructure and fiber availability in many neighborhoods. Whether you’re working from home or just streaming your favorite shows, you’ll find plenty of choices.

• Xfinity: Offers cable internet with speeds up to 2 Gbps and affordable bundles. Available citywide (98% coverage).
• AT&T Fiber: Available in about half of the Seattle area with symmetrical fiber plans up to 5 Gbps. Great for gamers and remote workers.
• CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber: Fiber service available in select neighborhoods, offering no-contract plans with unlimited data.
• T-Mobile Home Internet: If you’re looking for wireless internet, T-Mobile’s 5G home internet option is a great option. No contracts and straightforward pricing.
• Astound Broadband (formerly Wave): Available in some areas of West Seattle and North Seattle, with flexible internet plans.

Before choosing, check address-specific availability and compare speed, price, and contract terms.

Renewable Energy and Sustainability in Seattle

Seattle is a national leader in renewable energy and sustainable living. Seattle City Light’s electricity is nearly 100% carbon-free, sourced primarily from hydropower. But if you want to go above and beyond, there are more green energy choices available.

Green programs and tips include:

• Green Up Program: Choose to support renewable energy by adding a small fee to your electric bill (wind, solar, and biogas projects).
• Solar incentives: Seattle City Light offers net metering and support for rooftop solar installation.
• RainWise rebates: Get help installing rain gardens or cisterns to manage stormwater runoff and protect Puget Sound.

Seattle also supports electric vehicles with hundreds of public charging stations, and the city continues to expand bike lanes, pedestrian zones, and public transit options to reduce car dependency.

Financial Assistance for Utility Bills

If you’re facing financial hardship, Seattle offers a wide range of income-based utility assistance programs. These programs are administered through the city and local providers to ensure essential services remain accessible.

Seattle Utility Discount Program (UDP):

• Up to 60% off electric bills and 50% off water/sewer/garbage
• Open to renters and homeowners
• Qualification based on income and household size

Emergency Assistance Program (EAP):

• One-time credit for past-due Seattle City Light or SPU bills
• No documentation required in certain cases

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):

• Federal program administered locally by agencies like Hopelink and Byrd Barr Place
• Helps with natural gas or electric bills (PSE and Seattle City Light)

PSE HELP Program:

• Bill credits of $200 to $1,000 annually for qualifying customers
• Available to PSE customers earning up to 200% of federal poverty level

Additional tips:

• Call 2-1-1 to be connected to local nonprofits and energy assistance organizations
• Some providers offer budget billing or payment plans

Seattle Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Seattle

Seattle Drinking Water Quality Information

Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.