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Council committee adopts expansion of Utility Discount Program, sets reporting requirements
Summary
The Governance & Utilities Committee voted 4-0 to recommend passage of an ordinance expanding Seattle's Utility Discount Program (UDP) eligibility and adding annual reporting; sponsors said the change targets affordability and accessibility ahead of expected utility rate increases.
The Governance & Utilities Committee voted to recommend passage of a bill that changes eligibility for the Utility Discount Program (UDP) from 70% of state median income to 60% of area median income, with the amended ordinance taking effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Council member Strauss, the bill sponsor, said the change is an immediate affordability measure that will reduce utility costs for working families and seniors. "Utility costs are housing costs," Strauss said, adding the measure could put more than $1,000 back in some households' pockets annually depending on usage.
Council central staff presented the departments' analysis: the eligibility change would expand the pool of eligible customers by about 31,000 people and, if current participation rates hold for newly eligible households, result in roughly 11,000 additional enrolled customers. The bill also directs council intent to consider phased expansions in subsequent years (to higher AMI thresholds in 2028 and 2029) and—per an adopted amendment—requires an annual UDP participation report to be published by April 1 each year beginning in 2027 and continuing through 2031.
Public commenters urged the council to simplify enrollment and set public goals for outreach. Marta Johnson (For Seattle; Fremont resident) told the committee that with expected utility rate increases "now is the time to make sure this preexisting program gets effectively delivered." Dr. Miyuri Rao, a primary care physician, recounted treating a disabled veteran who rationed medication to keep heat on and argued for automatic enrollment and clearer outreach.
The committee adopted amendment 1, which moved the implementation date to Jan. 1, 2027 and added annual reporting language, and then voted to recommend the bill as amended. Clerk roll call showed Council member Kettle, Council member Rivera, Council member Strauss and Chair Hollingsworth voting in favor; the vote was recorded as 4 in favor, none opposed.
Next steps: the committee will forward the recommendation to the full council (the clerk noted the bill will be scheduled for the July 14 council meeting). Departments said they will work on outreach and enrollment strategies to maximize participation and report back as directed in the ordinance.
