Seattle advances 2027-2029 water rates with 4.3% annual hikes to smooth upcoming capital costs

Seattle advances 2027-2029 water rates with 4.3% annual hikes to smooth upcoming capital costsSeattle Public Utilities is leveraging favorable construction bids and a AAA bond rating to keep cumulative rate increases below strategic plan projections, while restructuring its charges to capture more fixed revenue.

The Governance and Utilities Committee advanced a rate package increasing retail water rates by 4.3% annually from 2027 through 2029.

The 2027 and 2028 increases will generate cash reserves to buy down the rate impact of a larger capital program planned for 2029.

The ordinance authorizes a withdrawal of up to $19.8 million from the Water Fund Revenue Stabilization Subfund for near-term capital expenses.

SPU is increasing fixed base service charges faster than volumetric charges to shift its fixed revenue share closer to the 40% regional average.

The Seattle City Council's Governance and Utilities Committee has recommended passage of a 2027-2029 retail water rate package that will increase rates by 4.3% annually while strategically restructuring the utility's revenue mix. Despite the steady annual hikes, the cumulative rate increase over the three-year period is lower than the projections endorsed in Seattle Public Utilities' (SPU) 2024 strategic business plan. Utility staff noted that the moderated rates are being driven by a favorable capital construction market, where bids are coming in below engineer estimates, and the utility's AAA bond rating, which has reduced debt service costs. Seattle’s average monthly single-family water bill currently stands at $50.71, the second lowest in the region. The 4.3% uniform increase relies heavily on rate smoothing. Council central staff explained that the increases in 2027 and 2028 are designed to exceed minimum revenue requirements, generating a cash balance that will be used to offset the rate impact of a larger capital program anticipated in 2029. In addition to smoothing, SPU is actively altering its rate design to capture more fixed revenue. The utility plans to increase base service charges—flat fees dependent on water meter size—at a faster rate than volumetric commodity charges. Currently, SPU generates approximately 28% of its revenues from base service charges. The utility is aiming to push that figure closer to the regional average of 40% to improve revenue stability and provide customers with more predictable monthly bills. The rate ordinance also authorizes SPU's general manager to withdraw up to $19.8 million from the Water Fund Revenue Stabilization Subfund (RSF) for possible capital expenses later this year. The withdrawal is contingent on the RSF maintaining a balance above $17.1 million. The fund currently holds approximately $38 million, significantly above the council-mandated minimum of $9 million. Looking ahead to the fall budget cycle, the rate study also builds in an assumption of $273,000 per year to cover annual fire hydrant inspections. The city executive is currently exploring shifting the operational and financial responsibility for these inspections from the general fund-backed Seattle Fire Department to the Water Fund. Alongside the rate package, the committee advanced legislation expanding SPU's emergency bill assistance program. The changes shift the eligibility threshold from 80% of state median income to 80% of area median income, a move expected to increase program access for approximately 13,000 water utility customers. The assistance changes will go into effect on January 1, 2027, aligning with the start of the new rate period.