The fastest rate climb in the group
Puget Sound Energy's average residential electricity price has risen from 10.44 cents per kWh in 2015 to 17.0 cents in 2025, an increase of about 63 percent, or roughly 5.0 percent per year. The chart shows PSE's average residential price by year. Hover any point for the exact figure.
Two things people get wrong about PSE solar
Current residential rates
PSE residential rates are shown below, from the utility's published tariffs and the public Utility Rate Database. Rates vary by plan, season, and usage and change over time.
| Plan | Energy charge | Fixed / basic |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Service (Schedule 7), first 600 kWh per month | About 14.16 cents/kWh | $7.49/month basic charge |
| Residential Service (Schedule 7), usage over 600 kWh per month | About 16.10 cents/kWh | $7.49/month basic charge |
Schedule 7 base energy charges are tiered (about 14.16 cents for the first 600 kWh and 16.10 cents above that) with a $7.49 monthly basic charge, from PSE's multi-year rate plan. These are base energy charges; the all-in delivered rate including power-cost adjustments, riders, and taxes runs higher, near 15 to 17 cents/kWh for a typical customer. Confirm current pricing on PSE's rate pages before making decisions.
Washington's full retail net metering
Washington law requires full retail rate net metering until the earlier of mid-2029 or when net-metered capacity reaches 4 percent of the utility's 1996 peak demand. PSE passed its 4 percent threshold around 2024 but continues offering one for one net metering to new residential solar customers under Schedule 150 until a successor tariff is adopted. Exported kWh are credited at the full retail rate and roll over month to month, with any banked credit expiring at the annual true-up each March 31.
Low rates, rising fast, full credit
Puget Sound Energy's rates are still below the national average thanks to the region's hydropower, but they rose 63 percent since 2015, the fastest climb in this group, with the steepest increases in 2023 through 2025 as multi-year rate plans took effect.
Washington also keeps full retail net metering. PSE credits exported solar at the full retail rate under Schedule 150, one for one, with credits rolling over until an annual true-up each March. The combination of fast-rising rates and full retail credit is why solar interest in PSE territory has grown even though the starting rate is low. Whether it pencils out depends on your roof and usage, so get a site-specific quote.
What rising PSE rates could cost you
PSE rates have risen about 5.0% per year. Enter your bill to see what that pace of increase could compound to over time, and what you have likely already absorbed. This is an estimate, not a guarantee.
Estimate only. Projects your current bill forward at PSE's historical average rate increase (5.0% per year, from EIA data); it assumes your usage stays the same except for any add-ons you select. Actual rates depend on your usage, rate plan, and the utility's future filings, and are not guaranteed. This is general information, not financial advice.
PSE service area
PSE serves The Puget Sound region of western Washington, serving parts of King, Pierce, Kitsap, Thurston, Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Kittitas counties. Its electric territory excludes Seattle (Seattle City Light), Tacoma (Tacoma Power), and Snohomish County (Snohomish County PUD)..
To confirm whether a specific address is served by PSE, check your electricity bill. A ZIP lookup tool is coming to this site.
Full data and sources
Per-utility prices are computed from EIA Form 861 (bundled residential revenue divided by sales), which reconciles to the EIA's published figures. These are public-domain U.S. government data.
| Year | PSE (c/kWh) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 10.44 |
| 2016 | 11.12 |
| 2017 | 11.27 |
| 2018 | 10.93 |
| 2019 | 10.59 |
| 2020 | 10.81 |
| 2021 | 11.48 |
| 2022 | 11.76 |
| 2023 | 13.3 |
| 2024 | 14.63 |
| 2025 | 17.0 |
Sources: EIA Form 861, Sales to Ultimate Customers (2015 to 2024) · PSE, Schedule 7 residential service tariff · PSE, customer connected solar and net metering (Schedule 150) · Washington RCW 80.60, net metering
FAQ
How much have Puget Sound Energy rates gone up?
PSE's average residential price rose from about 10.4 cents per kWh in 2015 to about 17 cents in 2025, an increase of roughly 63 percent, per EIA Form 861 data, the fastest climb in this group even though PSE's rates started below the national average.
Does Puget Sound Energy have net metering?
Yes, full retail. Washington law requires one for one retail-rate net metering, and although PSE passed its statutory 4 percent cap around 2024, it continues offering net metering to new residential solar under Schedule 150 until a successor tariff is adopted. Credits roll over until an annual true-up each March 31.
Are PSE rates high?
No, PSE's rates are lower than the national average because western Washington relies heavily on hydropower. But they have risen quickly, up 63 percent since 2015, so the gap with higher-rate regions is narrowing.
Is solar worth it with Puget Sound Energy?
PSE's low starting rate means each offset kWh saves less than on a high-rate utility, but rapidly rising rates and full retail net metering improve the case. The value depends on your usage, roof, and system size, so get a site-specific quote rather than a general estimate.