Tacoma Public Utilities Rates

Rates

We provide services vital to your quality of life

As Tacoma Public Utilities adjusts rates in 2013 and 2014, we understand that decisions we make will impact you. We take that responsibility seriously.

It’s our job to provide services that are vital to your quality of life. To continue to provide reliable, high-quality service, Tacoma Power and Tacoma Water must invest in their systems.

Tacoma Power owns and operates an extensive system that requires constant maintenance and upgrades. The utility operates and maintains seven hydroelectric dams, nearly 2,300 miles of power lines and dozens of substations. Tacoma Water must maintain its 1,350 miles of pipe, 27,000 valves, 10,000 fire hydrants and the many other components of its system.

New rates
Starting April 1, 2013, Tacoma Power rates increased an average of $4 per month.

Tacoma Water rates increased an average of $2 per month for Tacoma residents and $7 per month for those who live outside of Tacoma.

View Public Works rates, set by the City of Tacoma.

Meeting Government Regulations

Federal, state and local governments make and enforce laws that govern entities like Tacoma Public Utilities. Compliance with those regulations costs money, and in the past few years, government regulations have increased significantly.Some of the regulations that impact utility budgets are:

Tacoma Power
The reliability and security of our electric power system have become subject to new federal mandates. Tacoma Power must undertake and document specific actions to keep our system secure and report those actions to the federal government. We have had to hire people and buy equipment to accomplish that.

Tacoma Water
Federal law requires that Tacoma Water treat the Green River water supply for cryptosporidium, a protozoan that can cause serious health problems. Between now and 2014, the utility and its partners will spend as much as $195 million to build a filtration system that will treat cryptosporidium and improve water quality in many other ways.

What You Can Do

Business customers
No matter what type of business you have, we have ways to reduce your electric use. We offer rebates and incentives on energy-saving lighting retrofits, HVAC system upgrades and compressed air efficiency projects, to name a few. We also offer free energy audits and energy bill profiles, as well as zero-interest loans. Learn more by checking out our energy efficiency programs or by calling (253) 502-8619.

Residential customers
Our energy efficiency programs offer many ways to reduce your electric use, from instant rebates on compact fluorescent lights to rebates for insulating your home. You can learn about our energy efficiency programs or by calling (253) 502-8377.