Seattle City Light rates could go up by 32 percent over 6 years

Mayor Mike McGinn proposed a “strategic plan” for Seattle
City Light Monday that would call for a rate increase of
roughly 32 percent over the next six years.

McGinn said the proposal would set the utility on a stable
path forward, while protecting citizens and businesses
from “wildly fluctuating rates,” which have been typical
since 1980.

The proposed hike would average 4.7 percent a year. For
the average home, the increase is expected to amount to
roughly $35 annually.

“Power reliability and rate predictability are critical to
our economic growth and recovery,” McGinn said at a press
conference Monday, adding that the decision was not the
best move politically, but is in the best long-term
interest of the utility.

“The problem is that the easy thing is not the right thing
to do if we want to ensure that we have reliable and
stable power for the businesses and citizens of Seattle,”
McGinn said.

If approved by the city council, the proposed increases
would start next year. Rate increases would continue to be
approved two years at a time, but decisions would be made
with the six-year plan in mind.