New PSE rate changes approved by state regulators. Heres how much you can expect to pay

Olympia, WALocal News

The Washington State Utility and Transportation Commission has approved a significant increase in rates for Puget Sound Energy customers, with electric revenue set to rise by $326. 6 million or 11. 5% this month. A typical residential electric customer using 800 kWh will see their monthly bill increase by $13. 08, with additional hikes projected for January 2026.

Natural gas customers will also face increases, with a 10. 6% rise expected in 2025. The commission emphasizes that the rate adjustments support state laws focused on transitioning to clean energy while ensuring fairness for low-income households. Additionally, the commission granted PSE a return on specific purchase power agreements for the first time under the Clean Energy Transformation Act. Requests for cost recovery through separate trackers and for projects involving alternative fuels such as renewable natural gas and hydrogen were rejected.

The commission's decisions reflect a balance between promoting clean energy initiatives and addressing the financial impacts on consumers. These rate increases come in light of recent regulatory changes under Initiative 2066, which rolled back energy service regulations.

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