Apply for New or Upgraded Electric Service

Before starting a new construction project or renovation that requires a new electric service connection or upgrade, review our requirements and standards resources and then complete our online Electric Service Application.

Before starting a new construction project or renovation that requires a new electric service connection or upgrade, review our Requirements and Standards resources and then complete our online Electric Service Application.

An electric service application is required for:

• Existing service alteration or removal
• Permanent service for any new construction
• Temporary service for construction sites
• Construction clearance
• New streetlight service
• Solar interconnection

Expect Delays for New Service Connections

Like many companies nationwide, Seattle City Light is experiencing impacts from supply chain and staffing constraints. A shortage of raw materials is reducing the availability of common construction materials and specialized electrical equipment. These factors, along with increased construction activity, are impacting our lead times and service connection timelines. Currently we are experiencing delays in receiving transformers and underground wire (approximately 18-24 months) and residential high-rise meters (approximately six months). Please note we are actively pursuing several improvements to work around these limitations and appreciate your patience as we continue to find better solutions.

Apply for New or Upgraded Electric Service

Step 1: Preparing Your Application Materials

Prior to starting your application, gather the required documentation to ensure a faster, more seamless experience.

What do I need before applying for electric service?

• Refer to the Requirements for Electric Service Connection guide before starting the project.

All applications require:

• Project address
• Property owner’s name, mailing address, phone number, and email
• Customer name (if different from property owner), mailing address, phone number, and email
• Electrician, developer, or contractor contact information
• Service type (alteration or removal of existing service, temporary service for construction, new permanent service, construction clearance, or streetlight work)
• Date service connection is needed

Most projects also require:

(click for document samples)

• Legal Site Plan
• Electrical Site Plan for Primary Service
• Electrical Site Plan for Secondary Service
• One-Line Riser Diagram for Primary Service
• One-Line Riser Diagram for Secondary Service
• Load Calculations
• Building Elevation Plan and Drawing
• In-Building Vault Detail
• Scalable Street Improvement Plan

Find all applicable documents listed on the Customer Submittal Checklist. This document is for your use in preparing the necessary documents for your project. Click on the linked items above to review example building documents.

Contact us if you have any questions about application requirements for your project:

• For projects up to 1 MW, find the Electric Service Representative assigned to the location of the property.
• For projects 1 MW or greater, view our Electric Service Engineer map.

Step 2: Starting the Electric Service Application

Review some of the most frequently asked questions related to applying for new or upgraded electric service for new construction and renovation projects.

What do I need to apply for electric service?

• Refer to the Requirements for Electric Service Connection guide before starting the project.
• Review Step 1: Preparing Your Application Materials to assist with completing your application package.

What if I don't know or can't find my Electric Permit Number?

You will need to refer to the appropriate city's website to obtain an electric permit from them.

• Seattle: Department of Construction and Inspections
• Burien: Electric Permit Information
• Shoreline: Electric Permit Information
• Lake Forest Park: Electric Permit Information
• SeaTac: Electric Permit information
• Tukwila: Electric Permit Information

You can submit your application without the permit number but in order to approve your electrical equipment for permanent connection, we will require the Electric Permit number and approval by your local municipality.

Where can I find information about City Light's electrical system within the right-of-way?

Please visit our interactive map to locate City Light's electrical infrastructure within the public right-of-way.

How do I apply for solar installation service?

• If you are the property owner, you will be required to also fill out a Level 1 Interconnection Application & Agreement (for arrays up to 100 kW) or a Level 2 - 4 Interconnection Application & Agreement (for arrays larger than 100 kW), in addition to your Application for Electric Service request.
• Learn more about our commercial solar programs.
• Learn more about our residential solar programs.

How long will it take to process my application?

After submitting the application, please allow 4 - 6 weeks for initial processing. If the application is incomplete, it may take longer. A City Light representative will contact you within 5 - 10 business days after the application has been processed. Details about your electric service installation will be available at that time.

If I have questions about the application, who do I contact?

You can call our intake desk at 206-233-APPS (206) 233-2777 to get assistance filling out the application, or visit the following service center locations:

North Service Center
300 N 97th St
Seattle, WA 98103

South Service Center
3613 4th Ave S #2207
Seattle, WA 98134

If I have questions about requirements for my project, who do I contact?

• For projects under 1MW, find the Electric Service Representative (ESR) assigned to your area.
• For projects 1MW or more, find the Electric Service Engineer (ESE) assigned to your area.

Don't see an answer to your question about the electric service application?

If your question is urgent, contact the intake desk at (206) 233-2777.