Open, Close, or Move Services
If you have never had a Seattle utilities account before, start with our guide for customers who are new to the area.
If you are a current or former customer and need to move, open, or close an account, you have three options:
- Online: For water, sewer, garbage, recycling, and compost service, open or close your Seattle Public Utilities account. For residential electricity service, open or close your Seattle City Light account.
- By Phone: Call Customer Service at (206) 684-3000.
- Walk-In Service Center: Visit us at Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Avenue, 4th floor (lobby entrance).
Before You Start...
Before you open or close an account, please note the following:
- If you have sold your property, you will need the name of the buyer to close your account.
- If you are closing an account, you will be billed for services until the account is properly closed with an effective date, meter reading, and forwarding address.
- The following fees will be charged when opening or closing water, sewer, garbage, recycling, or food & yard (compost) accounts:
Service | Type of Fee | When | Fee |
Water | Water Meter Reading Fee | Closing Account | $60 |
Garbage, Recyling, Food & Yard | Account Setup Fee | Opening Account | $10 |
Sewer | None | None | None |
Requesting a Balance Refund
You can request a refund check for your Seattle Public Utilities or Seattle City Light account if you:
- Are the account holder.
- Have closed your account.
- Have a credit balance after the final bill was issued for your account.
- Do not receive utility rate assistance.
To make a refund request, call Customer Service at (206) 684-3000.