As a public utility owned by the City of Seattle, Seattle City Light aims to provide reliable electricity service at affordable rates. Paying your Seattle City Light bill should be just as convenient. This guide covers the many ways to pay your City Light bill quickly and easily.
Online Bill Pay
The fastest way to pay your Seattle City Light bill is online through your secure online account
To pay online:
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Go to Seattle.gov/City-Light and click on “Pay Bill”
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Log into your account or register for a new one
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Select whether to pay with credit/debit card or e-check
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Enter your payment details and submit
Online payments are processed instantly. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your payment details. Paying online is fast, secure, and available 24/7.
Pay By Phone
Call Seattle City Light’s automated payment line at (206) 684-3000 to pay your bill over the phone Have your account number and payment details ready.
Follow the phone prompts to enter your account number and card information Your payment will be processed automatically
Phone payments are quick and incur no extra fees. Agents are also available weekdays 8 AM – 5:30 PM.
Pay By Mail
To pay your Seattle City Light bill by mail, detach the payment stub from your paper statement and mail it along with your check or money order.
Make checks payable to Seattle City Light. Write your account number on the check and mail to:
Seattle City Light
PO Box 34023
Seattle, WA 98124-4023
Allow 5-7 business days for mailed payments to process. Pay at least 1 week before your due date to avoid late fees.
Drop Boxes
For added convenience, Seattle City Light has over 20 authorized payment drop boxes located throughout the city. Find drop box locations on the City Light website.
Simply drop off your check or money order payment in a sealed envelope with your stub. Payments left by 5 PM weekdays are processed same day.
In Person Payments
To pay your City Light bill in person with cash, check, or credit/debit card, visit the City Light Service Center at:
Seattle Municipal Tower
700 5th Avenue, Ste 3300
Seattle, WA 98104
In-person payments are accepted 8 AM – 5 PM weekdays, with Thursday hours until 6 PM. Drive-through service is also available.
Retail Payment Locations
For added convenience, City Light has partnered with retail stores to offer in-person bill payment services:
- QFC – Various locations
- Safeway – Various locations
- PayNearMe – 7-Eleven, CVS, Family Dollar and other retailers
To find a payment location near you, use the bill pay locator at Seattle.gov/City-Light. Cash payments under $500 are accepted.
AutoPay
For hassle-free payments, enroll in AutoPay to have your City Light bill paid automatically each month on your due date. Log into your account and complete the AutoPay enrollment process.
Your default payment method on file will be charged each month for the amount due. AutoPay prevents late fees and lets you skip bill reminders.
Assistance Programs
If you are having trouble paying your Seattle City Light bill, flexible payment plans and financial assistance may be available, including:
- Extended due dates or payment arrangements
- Reduced rates for lower income households
- Temporary bill assistance for hardships
- Conservation tips to lower your monthly bill
Visit Powerlines.Seattle.gov to learn more about City Light’s bill and energy assistance programs.
Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common bill payment questions:
What are the late fees if I miss my due date?
A 1% late fee will be applied to balances unpaid after the due date. Call right away if you need an extension.
When is my bill due each month?
City Light bills monthly and your due date is shown on your statement, usually around the 15th-20th of the month.
Can I see a usage graph to track my electricity costs?
Yes, your online account dashboard shows usage graphs to help you monitor costs and patterns.
Do you offer renewable energy or carbon neutral plans?
Yes! Learn about City Light’s Green Up program to support renewable energy at Seattle.gov/City-Light.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, money orders, and all major debit/credit cards. Third party and out-of-state checks require 10 business days to clear.
How can I check if a payment posted correctly?
Log into your online account to view your payment history and confirm your payments processed as expected.
Can I pay at 7-Eleven or Walmart?
Yes, City Light bills can be paid at retail locations like 7-Eleven and Walmart through PayNearMe. Bring your bill or account number.
When might a bill impact my credit report?
Accounts 60+ days past due may be reported to credit bureaus. Pay promptly to avoid credit damage.
We hope these frequently asked questions help explain Seattle City Light’s billing and payment process. Please reach out if you have any other questions!
