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Updated: March 2026

Market Guide

Commercial Building Energy Requirements in Seattle

Utility rates, compliance regulations, and benchmarking requirements for commercial real estate in Seattle, Washington.

Average Commercial Utility Rates

$0.11Electric Rate
$1.15Gas Rate

Stable

Relatively stable; Seattle City Light hydro power keeps electric rates low

Energy Regulations & Compliance

Seattle BPS (Clean Buildings Act compliance)

Active

GHG-based building performance standards with aggressive reduction targets. Among the strictest in the nation.

20,000 sqft

April 1 annually (benchmarking); BPS compliance varies by building size

Up to $10 per sqft annually for non-compliance

WA Clean Buildings Performance Standard

Expanding

State-level BPS requiring EUI targets for large commercial buildings, phasing in by building size.

50,000 sqft (Phase 1); expanding to 20,000 sqft

June 1, 2026 (50k+); 2028 (20k+)

Up to $5,000 plus $1 per sqft per year

Compliance Timeline

April 1 annually (benchmarking); BPS compliance varies by building size

Seattle BPS (Clean Buildings Act compliance) - 20,000 sqft

June 1, 2026 (50k+); 2028 (20k+)

WA Clean Buildings Performance Standard - 50,000 sqft (Phase 1); expanding to 20,000 sqft

Utility Providers

Seattle City Light

Electric

Puget Sound Energy

Electric & Gas

Benchmarking Requirements

Benchmarking is required

20,000 sqft

April 1 annually

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