Electric Companies in Washington

Power Generation

Washington State is unique in terms of electricity generation. Two-thirds of its electricity is generated by hydroelectric power plants. Electricity consumption in Washington State is among the lowest in the country. For many years, the state has been a net exporter of electricity. This is despite the fact that about half of all households use electricity for heating. About 16% of all electricity is generated at natural gas and coal-fired power plants. Washington State is home to the Columbia Generating Station, a nuclear power plant that generates about 8% of all electricity.

Transmission Grid

The state of Washington is part of the Western Interconnection. The Western Interconnection is an electricity transmission grid that stretches from British Columbia in the north to Mexico in the south. Excess electricity generated by power plants of all types is fed into the Western Interconnection. Washington State’s power transmission lines consist of more than 4,500 high-voltage lines and more than 3,300 low-voltage lines. Washington state power plants sell electricity to 14 other Western states, as well as Canada.

Renewable Sources

Washington State is a national leader in the production and use of renewable energy. More than 7% of all renewable energy in the country is generated here. One in three kilowatt-hours produced by hydroelectric power plants comes from Washington State. Together with geothermal energy, biomass, and wood heating, 80% of all energy generated comes from renewable sources. Wind turbines and biofuel power plants are being actively developed in the state. By 2045, the state plans to completely switch to electricity from renewable sources.

Electricity Rates

Historically, the cost of electricity in Washington State has been among the lowest in the country. The state has numerous hydroelectric power plants that generate inexpensive electricity. Recently, however, the situation has changed. A lot of money has been invested in renovating hydroelectric power plants, and new environmental standards have been adopted. Nevertheless, electricity here is relatively cheap. The average cost of electricity for residents is about 13.8¢/kWh. For commercial businesses, the cost of electricity is slightly lower, at about 11.3¢/kWh.

Largest Cities

Seattle	Spokane	Tacoma
Vancouver	Bellevue

Washington Electric Companies

Many companies generate and sell electricity in Washington State using all types of power plants. Public Utility Districts sell the cheapest electricity, with rates as low as about 3 cents per kilowatt-hour. Douglas County PUD offers the cheapest electric rates. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and Pacific Power are the largest electricity providers in Washington State. Seattle City Light and Tacoma Public Utilities are major municipal electricity providers that compete with investor-owned utilities.

Both large power companies and smaller electric utilities operate successfully in Washington State. Power companies are categorized into investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, and other types, including electric cooperatives. The largest investor-owned utilities are Puget Sound Energy (PSE), Pacific Power, and Avista Utilities. Notable municipal utilities and public utility districts include Seattle City Light, Tacoma Public Utilities, and Snohomish County PUD. Electric cooperatives, including Rural Electric Cooperatives and Inland Power & Light Company, operate successfully in Washington State.

Washington State is unique in its production of electricity from renewable sources. The state is home to 74 hydroelectric power plants, dozens of wind and solar power plants, and biofuel power plants. Most solar power is generated by small-scale, customer-sited solar photovoltaic installations, such as rooftop solar panels. Both large and small solar companies operate successfully in Washington State and can help you plan, install, or upgrade solar panels and other solar energy solutions. If you want to install or repair a solar panel or EV charging station, you can contact Switch Electric Home Energy, Artisan Electric, or Galaxy Electric & Solar LLC.

#	Company
1	Absolute Electric
2	Artisan Electric
3	As You Wish Electric
4	Beach Electric LLC
5	Brady Electric
6	Custom Electrical Services
7	Eco Electric, Plumbing, Heating and Air
8	Evergreen Power Systems
9	Exact Electric
10	Galaxy Electric & Solar LLC
11	Greenlife Electric
12	Handyman Electric
13	High Energy Services
14	Home Electrical Services
15	Infinite Electric
16	Keithly Electric Co
17	Kemly Electric
18	Mirsky Electric
19	Mr. Electric
20	NW Pacific Electric Co
21	North Coast Sonepar
22	Puget Sound Energy
23	Rainbow Electric
24	Rock Electric
25	Seatown Electric Plumbing Heating and Air
26	Seattle City Light
27	Standard Electric Co
28	Switch Electric Home Energy
29	Tacoma Electric Service
30	Titan Electric
31	Urban Electric Company
32	West Seattle Electric and Solar