Utilities News is the department's electronic newsletter, providing essential updates related to water, stormwater and other services provided by Bellevue Utilities. Each installment covers a two-month period.
January/February Issue
Easier Access to Utility Bill Assistance during Financial Hardship
Bellevue Utilities offers long-term and short-term assistance to support utility customers who need help paying their bill. The Utility Bill Assistance program has introduced a new streamlined application process to make it easier for residents to apply for support. The updated paper application has fewer pages and requires less personal information, reducing the time and effort needed to complete. The new online portal offers a one-stop resource for applying and managing documents. This simplified approach is designed to remove barriers, increase access to assistance, and ensure that more people in need can get help managing their utility bills when experiencing financial challenges.
Long-Term Bill Assistance
Bellevue Utilities offers 70 percent off basic utility costs to low-income seniors (62 and older) and community members with permanent disabilities who meet specific income guidelines. The type of assistance available depends on how your utility bill is paid.
- Utility Bill Discount: If you pay a Bellevue utility bill, you may qualify for a discount or rate reduction on your 2026 utility bills. This program is accepting applications through Oct. 31.
- Utility Bill Rebate: If your utility costs are paid through rent or another third party, you may qualify for a rebate check on 2025 utility costs. This program is accepting applications through Oct. 31.
Short-Term Bill Assistance
Bellevue Utilities offers two short-term assistance programs for residents who may not qualify for long-term assistance.
- Emergency Assistance: Community members experiencing a one-time financial shock that interferes with the ability to cover expenses may qualify for a 100% discount on basic utility services for up to four months (two bills).
- Neighbors Helping Neighbors: This program supports residents who meet specific low-income requirements and have a past-due utility bill.
For More Information and Guidelines
Visit BellevueWA.gov/utility-bill-assistance or call 425-452-5285.
Donate to Neighbors Helping Neighbors
In every community, there are times when a neighbor may face unexpected financial challenges. Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a community donation program designed to provide support to low-income residents who are unable to pay for essential utility services.
Every donation to Neighbors Helping Neighbors makes a difference. No donation is too small. Whether it is a one-time or a recurring donation, your generosity provides direct financial assistance to a community member in need.
Learn more about Neighbors Helping Neighbors and make a donation at BellevueWA.gov/utility-bill-assistance.
Planning for the future of essential utility services
When we pay a utility bill, we are supporting the capital projects that provide and deliver essential utility services to the Bellevue community now and for generations to come. Bellevue Utilities Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) prioritizes projects that deliver Bellevue’s essential drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and surface water services. This includes the replacement of aging pipes and pumps, as well as the construction of new reservoirs to support Bellevue’s growing population and environmental needs.
What do utility rates support?
- Delivery of safe and reliable drinking water to homes and businesses. Bellevue Utilities maintains more than 600 miles of water mains and 24 reservoirs with a storage capacity of over 40 million gallons.
- Stormwater and surface water management to prevent flooding and polluted waterways. Bellevue Utilities protects over 80 miles of open streams and more than 800 acres of protected wetlands.
- Safe disposal of wastewater. Bellevue Utilities safely sends all the water that leaves the inside of your property through sinks, toilets, and washing machines to King County treatment facilities using more than 500 miles of sewer mains.
Why are capital investments important?
Capital investments ensure critical infrastructure keeps pace with Bellevue’s growth, protects public health and the environment, and reduces the risk of costly emergencies by addressing needs before failures occur. By investing today, Bellevue Utilities is safeguarding essential services, supporting a high quality of life, and ensuring future generations can count on clean water, effective wastewater treatment, and well-managed stormwater.