Did it feel like your last electric bill was higher than usual? You’re not imagining things—rates are going up.
Jefferson County PUD implemented a 9% rate increase for residential customers on July 5, 2025.
And, unfortunately, relief isn’t coming anytime soon.
There are three additional rate increases scheduled over the next three years, with a cumulative increase of 34.59% by 2028. Base charges will also increase, adding an extra $5 to residential bills in 2025 and another $3 every following year, through 2028.
How Much Will Your Bill Increase?
Exactly how much your electric bill goes up will depend on how much power you use. But, for most homeowners, the impact will be noticeable.
For the rest of 2025, the average residential customer will pay an extra $9 to $12 per month. Over the next four years, the cumulative increase will bring that up to an additional $59 per month. That takes the average homeowner’s monthly electric bill in Jefferson County from $133 a month to $192 a month.
Meanwhile, electricity usage is going up right alongside rate increases.
Summers are getting hotter in Washington State as a result of climate change, which means we’re relying on air conditioning to keep our homes cool more than ever. Many homeowners in Jefferson County installed air conditioning for the first time this summer or are planning to in the coming years. Homeowners are also switching to electric vehicles, which further increase their electricity usage. That extra electricity usage will increase your bill even more as rates continue to rise.
If you’re looking for a way out, solar power is the answer.
Solar Panels Hedge Against Rising Electricity Costs
The only way to avoid rising electricity costs is to reduce your reliance on the electric grid. You can do that with rooftop solar panels.
Solar panels turn energy from the sun into electricity. They power your home directly, reducing the amount of electricity you have to buy from the grid. That brings your electric bills down, which can save you money every month.
But immediate savings aren’t the only benefit of solar panels. They also protect you against rising utility rates.
When you generate your own electricity with solar panels, you don’t have to buy as much electricity from your utility company. So, when rates go up, it doesn’t affect you nearly as much, which can lead to substantial long-term savings.
How Much Could Solar Panels Save You?
Let’s say your current electric bill is about $133 a month. With scheduled rate hikes, that same bill will reach $192 a month by 2028, which is an increase of over $700 per year.
Installing solar won’t eliminate your electric bill entirely, but it will reduce it. Many homeowners in our area see their monthly usage costs drop by 50-100% depending on system size, energy usage, and how much sun their home gets. It’s not uncommon for our customers to cover all of their usage costs with solar and only pay their monthly meter charge.
Over the 25-year life of your solar system, that could translate into thousands of dollars in avoided electricity costs. And unlike power from the grid, your solar energy comes with no surprise rate increases.
Ready to Take Control of Your Energy Costs?
Whether you’re just starting to think about solar panels or ready to install them, Cascadia Solar is here to help. We’ll estimate your potential savings and help you decide whether solar panels are a good fit for your home.
We’re the solar division of Frederickson Electric and have been serving homeowners in Jefferson County for over 50 years. Our team is committed to helping you find solutions that make sense for your home without any pressure. We’re here to help you weigh the pros and cons and make the best decision for your home and budget.
