Sawant challenges Seattle City Light rates, seeks big break for renters, homeowners

SEATTLE -- City Councilwoman Kshama Sawant, who successfully fought for a $15 minimum wage, now has a new crusade: Pushing Seattle City Light to given renters and homeowners a big break on their electricity bills.

Sawant says that business customers and big energy users actually pay less per kilowatt than the average ratepayer, and she’s determined to change that.

“Every working person I have talked to is outraged by the fact that Boeing is paying less than they, and all we’re saying is make it fair so that Boeing  pays at least as much as your ordinary working family,” said Sawant.

City Light officials say that businesses typically pay a lower rate per kilowatt because they purchase more electricity, reducing the cost of serving them.



At meeting Wednesday at the Seattle City Council Sawant introduced a resolution to end the lower rate for business customers, and pass the savings to individual ratepayers.  However, she was unable to garner support.  She is considering reintroducing the resolution at a later date.

Sawant argues that her latest mission is a part of her larger strategy of tacking income inequality.