Payment Assistance

Bill Credit Assistance Plan

Qualifying households on the Bill Credit Assistance Plan, receive a monthly automatic bill credit for all services, regardless of payment. You can achieve additional monthly credits with full and on-time payments. The credit amount you receive depends on the number of services you receive.

Monthly bill credits

• Power – $28.30
• Water – $8
• Wastewater – $7
• Surface water – $3
• Solid waste – $9
• Monthly Total – $55.30

Achievable additional monthly bill credits

• Power – $21
• Water – $5
• Wastewater – $8
• Surface water – $4
• Solid waste – $6
• Monthly total – $44

Total Annual Credit: $1,191.60

To qualify, you must: 

• Have a current TPU account in your name. 
• Live in the dwelling full-time as your primary residence. 
• Have residential, single-metered service (meter cannot be shared with another unit or structure). 
• Your household meets the income guidelines* shown in the list below: 

Household Size: 1 
Maximum Monthly Household Income: $4,229

Household Size: 2 
Maximum Monthly Household Income: $4,833

Household Size: 3 
Maximum Monthly Household Income: $5,438

Household Size: 4 
Maximum Monthly Household Income: $6,042 

Household Size: 5 
Maximum Monthly Household Income: $6,525

Household Size: 6 
Maximum Monthly Household Income: $7,008

*Incomes are based on maximum household income before tax. 

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Discount Rate

Our Discount Rate Program gives adults over 62 or who qualify for or receive state/federal disability income a 35% discount on electricity, drinking water, solid waste, wastewater, and stormwater.

To qualify, you must: 

• Have a current TPU account in your name. 
• Live in the dwelling full-time as your primary residence. 
• Have residential, single-metered service (meter cannot be shared with another unit or structure). 
• Your household meets the income guidelines* shown in the list below: 

Household Size: 1 
Maximum Monthly Household Income: $3,171

Household Size: 2 
Maximum Monthly Household Income: $3,625

Household Size: 3 
Maximum Monthly Household Income: $4,079

Household Size: 4 
Maximum Monthly Household Income: $4,529

Household Size: 5 
Maximum Monthly Household Income: $4,892

Household Size: 6 
Maximum Monthly Household Income: $5,254

*Incomes are based on maximum household income before tax 

How to Apply

Submit your application with the required documents. Our agents will review your application, contact you with questions, or let you know which payment assistance option you qualify for. 

Apply Online

OR

Download, complete and mail us the printable application.

Required documents

For each household member, provide copies of one of the following:

• Adults 18 years and older
  • Driver’s license or State Identification card (U.S. only)
  • Military Identification (U.S. only)
  • Resident Alien Identification card (work or Student Visa) (U.S. only)
  • Passport
  • Tribal ID
  • Identity verification via soft credit check
• Children under 18 years
  • State ID (U.S. only)
  • Driver’s license (U.S. only)
  • Birth certificate
  • Washing State Medical Card
  • School transcript
  • Daycare record
  • School ID
  • Passport
  • DSHS document
  • Tax document
  • Immunization records
• Household income verification for three months before the application submission date. See examples of sources of income on the back page of the application.

When completed, mail the printed application with the supporting documents to:

Tacoma Public Utilities
Customer Solutions Office
3628 South 35th Street
Tacoma WA 98409

Other Payment Options & Additional Resources

Set up a payment arrangement on past due balances to avoid disconnection. 

• Log in to MyAccount
• Call 253-502-8608

Enroll in Budget Billing and pay a consistent and predictable utility payment every other month or monthly, depending on your billing cycle.

Manage your account online with MyAccount and take advantage of AutoPay.

Energy efficient rebate programs can reduce your use and help lower your bills.

Federal Assistance for Renters and Homeowners

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is designed to help qualifying low-income households meet their immediate home energy needs. This assistance does not require a delinquent balance or shut-off notice.

For information about LIHEAP, contact the following:

• City of Tacoma residents: Call (253) 572-5557 or visit the Metropolitan Development Council website.
• Pierce Country residents (outside the City of Tacoma): Call (855) 798-4328 or visit the Pierce County Human Services website.

Winter Protection Plan

To prevent service disconnection during winter months, contact Metropolitan Development Council or Pierce County Human Services.