Seattle City Light (Washington), new large data center load contracts
Large-load tariff for data centers: what is on file, the terms the filings state, and where each fact comes from. Terms a filing does not state are marked, never guessed.
StatusApproved Last reviewed 2026-10-14
Applies atData center service of 10 MVA or more of capacity installed within any five-year period after January 1, 2027
What the filing saysSeattle's 2027-2028 retail rates ordinance (approved July 22, 2026; some sections take effect Jan 1, 2027 and the data-center definition counts installations after that date) adds Seattle Municipal Code 21.49.059: new large data center load is not eligible for general service rates and must sign an individually negotiated Service Agreement. Required terms include a guaranteed minimum demand or service rating, metering at 600 volts or higher, power factor of 97% lagging or better, curtailment provisions, full upfront payment for infrastructure (feeder, transmission and substation upgrades), and full recovery of the cost of new power, transmission and ancillary services, with the customer staying responsible for agreements signed to serve it until the contract ends. Energy and demand are priced at the utility's marginal cost of new supply plus a service fee. Demand above the contract demand is billed at 300% of the demand charge. Contract term is up to 20 years. Service starts only after the contract is signed and the infrastructure, contracts and resources are in place.
Stated terms
Contract termNot stated in the filings we read
6 more stated terms (contract term, minimum bill, collateral, exit fee, notice and time to power, as the filings state them) are shown to signed-in visitors. Create a free account to see them, or sign in.
Source
Seattle City Council ordinance for the 2027-2028 retail rates (seattle.legistar.com, read in full, including SMC 21.49.059 and the 20-year contract authorization).
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Screening information from public filings, not legal or investment advice. Tariffs change; confirm the current terms with the utility and the commission before relying on them.