Understanding Energy in Washington
Washington has the lowest electricity rates of any major state, thanks to abundant hydroelectric power from the Columbia River system. The state is regulated, and utilities offer some of the most competitive rates in the nation.
Washington has a regulated electricity market. Your utility is the only electricity provider in your area, but rates are reviewed and approved by the state's public utility commission to ensure they are fair and reasonable.
The state's primary electric utilities include Puget Sound Energy (PSE), Seattle City Light, Tacoma Power, Pacific Power. Natural gas distribution is handled by Puget Sound Energy (PSE), Cascade Natural Gas, Avista. Washington's climate — mild and rainy west of Cascades, dry and cold east — is one of the main drivers of annual energy consumption patterns for households.
Electric Utilities in Washington
The following utilities operate in Washington. Your specific provider depends on your address.
- Puget Sound Energy (PSE)
- Seattle City Light
- Tacoma Power
- Pacific Power
Natural Gas Utilities in Washington
- Puget Sound Energy (PSE)
- Cascade Natural Gas
- Avista
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Energy Assistance Programs in Washington
Low-income households and those facing energy emergencies may qualify for these programs:
- Washington LIHEAP
- Energy Matchmakers
- Washington Weatherization Program
- PSE Rebates
- Seattle City Light's Neighborhood Power program
Energy Saving Tips for Washington Residents
These tips are tailored to Washington's climate — mild and rainy west of Cascades, dry and cold east:
- Washington's cheap hydroelectric power makes electric heating economical.
- Consider an electric heat pump — it's 2-3x more efficient than gas heating.
- Use weatherization to protect against cold and wet Pacific Northwest winters.
- Seattle City Light and PSE offer rebates for insulation and HVAC upgrades.
- Sign up for Washington's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
- With cheap electricity, switching from gas to an induction cooktop is cost-effective.
- Install heat pump water heaters — highly efficient in mild Pacific Northwest climates.
Gas & Electricity Rates by City in Washington
Select a city to view local utility rates, providers, and energy programs.
All Cities & Towns in Washington
Gas and electricity information for all 463 cities and towns in Washington. Jump to a letter or browse the full list.
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B
- Bainbridge Island
- Barberton
- Baring
- Barron
- Battle Ground
- Bay Center
- Bay View
- Beaux Arts Village
- Belfair
- Bellevue
- Bellingham
- Benton City
- Bethel
- Bickleton
- Bingen
- Black Diamond
- Blaine
- Bonney Lake
- Bothell
- Boulevard Park
- Bremerton
- Brewster
- Bridgeport
- Brier
- Brinnon
- Browns Point
- Brush Prairie
- Bryant
- Buckley
- Bucoda
- Buena
- Bunk Foss
- Burbank
- Burien
- Burley
- Burlington
C
- Camano
- Camas
- Carbonado
- Carlsborg
- Carlyle
- Carnation
- Carson
- Cascade Valley
- Cashmere
- Castle Rock
- Cathcart
- Cavalero
- Centerville
- Centralia
- Chain Lake
- Chelan
- Chelan Falls
- Cheney
- Cherry Grove
- Chewelah
- Chico
- Chinook
- Clarkston
- Clarkston Heights-Vineland
- Clayton
- Cle Elum
- Clear Lake
- Clearview
- Cliffdell
- Clinton
- Clyde Hill
- Colfax
- College Place
- Colton
- Colville
- Conconully
- Concrete
- Conway
- Cosmopolis
- Coulee City
- Coulee Dam
- Country Homes
- Coupeville
- Covington
- Cowiche
- Cowlitz
- Creekside
- Creston
- Crocker
- Curlew Lake
- Cusick
- Custer
D
E
F
G
K
L
- La Center
- La Conner
- La Grande
- La Push
- Lacey
- Lake Bosworth
- Lake Cassidy
- Lake Cavanaugh
- Lake Forest Park
- Lake Goodwin
- Lake Holm
- Lake Ketchum
- Lake Marcel-Stillwater
- Lake McMurray
- Lake Morton-Berrydale
- Lake Roesiger
- Lake Shore
- Lake Stevens
- Lake Stickney
- Lake Tapps
- Lake Wilderness
- Lakewood
- Lamont
- Langley
- Larch Way
- Leavenworth
- Lebam
- Lewisville
- Liberty Lake
- Lind
- Lofall
- Long Beach
- Longbranch
- Longview
- Loon Lake
- Lopez Island
- Lyman
- Lynden
- Lynnwood
M
- Mabton
- Malden
- Maple Falls
- Maple Heights-Lake Desire
- Maple Valley
- Maplewood
- Marblemount
- Marcus
- Marietta-Alderwood
- Martha Lake
- Maryhill
- Marysville
- Mattawa
- McChord AFB
- McCleary
- McKenna
- Mead
- Meadow Glade
- Medical Lake
- Medina
- Mercer Island
- Mesa
- Mill Creek
- Mill Creek East
- Millwood
- Milton
- Minnehaha
- Mirrormont
- Moclips
- Monmouth
- Monroe
- Montesano
- Morton
- Moses Lake
- Moses Lake North
- Mount Vernon
- Mount Vista
- Mukilteo
N
O
P
R
S
- Sammamish
- Satsop
- SeaTac
- Seabeck
- Seattle
- Sedro-Woolley
- Selah
- Sequim
- Shelton
- Shoreline
- Silvana
- Silverdale
- Snohomish
- Snoqualmie
- South Bend
- South Creek
- South Hill
- South Wenatchee
- Southworth
- Spanaway
- Spangle
- Spokane
- Spokane Valley
- Sprague
- St. John
- Stanwood
- Steilacoom
- Stevenson
- Sudden Valley
- Sultan
- Sumas
- Summit
- Summitview
- Sunnyside
- Suquamish
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W
- Waitsburg
- Walla Walla
- Walla Walla East
- Wallula
- Wapato
- Warrenton
- Washtucna
- Waterville
- Wauna
- Waverly
- Wenatchee
- West Clarkston-Highland
- West Longview
- West Pasco
- West Richland
- West Side Highway
- Westport
- White Center
- White Salmon
- White Swan
- Wilbur
- Wilkeson
- Willapa
- Windsor
- Winlock
- Winthrop
- Wollochet
- Woodinville
- Woodland
- Woodmont Beach
- Woods Creek
- Woolley
- Worchestershire
Z
Frequently Asked Questions — Washington Energy
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The average residential electricity rate in Washington is approximately 14.95¢/kWh, compared to the national average of around 16¢/kWh. The average monthly electricity bill is $113.
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The average residential natural gas rate in Washington is approximately $1.17/therm per therm. The typical monthly gas bill is $71, though this varies significantly by season.
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The primary electric utilities serving Washington include Puget Sound Energy (PSE), Seattle City Light, Tacoma Power. The right utility for you depends on your specific address.
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No — Washington has a regulated electricity market, meaning your utility is determined by your location.
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Washington residents may qualify for several assistance programs including Washington LIHEAP, Energy Matchmakers. Contact your utility or the state energy office for eligibility details.
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To reduce your energy bills in Washington: schedule a free energy audit through your utility, check for state weatherization assistance, upgrade to LED lighting, and optimize your thermostat settings. Ask your utility about budget billing to smooth out seasonal costs.