Utility Discount Program Helps Seattle Families Make Ends Meet

The Utility Discount Program, managed by the Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities and City Light, originated through legislation enacted more than 30 years ago. Since the late 1970s, thousands of qualifying low-income families, seniors and adults with disabilities have saved up to 50 percent on the cost of their utilities. For an average household, annual savings average $800.

Faced with increasing costs for housing, food and fuel, many low-wage and fixed-income households rely on discounted utility costs to help make ends meet. In each of the past five years, more than 12,000 utility customers benefited from the discounted rates. Nearly 70 percent are residents age 65 and older, and adults with disabilities, trying to survive on Social Security benefits.

Despite stepped up outreach though PeoplePoint and community partners, participation in the Utility Discount Program has slowly declined since 2003. The sharpest drop in participation has been among seniors taking advantage of this discount.

Later this Fall, the City Council will consider legislation to raise the income criteria for low-income families from 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level to 70 percent of our state’s median income, consistent with current requirements for seniors and adults with disabilities. For a household of four, this would mean a maximum income of $50,980 per year to qualify for the lower rates.  

Please contact your City Council members and ask them to support increased participation in the Utility Discount Program

To apply for the Utility Discount Program, call the Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens at 206-684-0268, e-mail seniors@seattle.gov, or download an application.