Bellevue utility rates: what the city is proposing for the 2027–2028 budget (and how to weigh in)
Bellevue WA is building proposed 2027–2028 utility rates. Here’s how ESC reviews, the public hearing, typical bills, and help programs.
Bellevue Utilities is developing a proposed 2027–2028 utilities budget and related rate changes for water, wastewater (sewer), and storm and surface water. The city says residents can weigh in before any final City Council action—starting with the Environmental Services Commission (ESC) review and a public-hearing step.
How Bellevue sets utility rates (proposal → recommendation → decision)
Bellevue Utilities says utility rates are approved by City Council as part of the City’s budget. Before the proposed budget reaches Council, Bellevue says it is thoroughly reviewed by the Environmental Services Commission (a seven-member citizen advisory commission). Bellevue also notes that a public hearing is held to review public comments before the ESC provides a recommendation and City Council decides on approval.
Forecast: “typical single-family” combined monthly bills for 2027 and 2028
In its 2027–2032 early outlook forecast, Bellevue includes a model-based estimate for a “typical single-family residential combined monthly bill” for the years ahead. The city notes that actual bills can vary based on usage and other service characteristics.
- $248.12/month for 2027 (8.1% increase vs. the prior year’s monthly bill)
- $268.36/month for 2028 (8.2% increase vs. the prior year’s monthly bill)
Bellevue’s forecast also lists the model assumptions behind those “typical” figures:
- Sewer: based on 11 CCF of bi-monthly volume
- Water: based on 14 CCF of bi-monthly volume
- Storm and surface water: based on 5 chargeable units at moderate development intensity
How to weigh in locally (meetings/events are tentative)
Bellevue Utilities lists community engagement opportunities for the proposed 2027–2028 budget and rates. The city cautions that all listed dates are tentative and may change.
- April 2, 2026: Environmental Services Commission (ESC) meeting
- May 6, 2026: Community Connect Open House (Mini City Hall at Crossroads Mall)
- May 7, 2026: ESC meeting
- May 15, 2026: Community Connect Open House (North Bellevue Community Center, 4–6 p.m.)
- May 20, 2026: Community Connect Open House (South Bellevue Community Center, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.)
- May 27, 2026: Community Connect Open House (Bellevue City Hall, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.)
- June 4, 2026: ESC meeting
- June 11, 2026: Virtual community meeting (6–7 p.m.)
- June 18, 2026: ESC meeting
- June 23, 2026: City Council meeting
- July 2, 2026: ESC meeting
- Sept. 3, 2026: ESC meeting
- Sept. 17, 2026: ESC meeting
- Oct. 1, 2026: ESC meeting
- Oct. TBD: City Council meeting
Tip for residents: If you’re trying to connect your concerns (rent affordability, fixed-income budgeting, or business planning) to the right stage of the process, pay attention to whether an event is an ESC review meeting or a City Council meeting tied to budget decisions.
Affordability layer: Bellevue’s utility bill assistance programs
If paying your utility bill is a hardship, Bellevue points customers to its Utility Bill Assistance programs. The city organizes assistance based on how you’re billed (direct vs. indirect) and whether you need long-term or short-term help.
- Long-term assistance (eligibility categories): low-income residents; low-income residents age 62+; low-income residents with a permanent disability receiving benefits from a government program; and residents with in-home dialysis.
- If you’re billed directly: you can apply for a 70% discount on your basic utility costs.
- If you’re billed indirectly: you can apply for a rebate on the prior year’s basic utility costs.
- Tax rebate option: Bellevue also describes a tax relief rebate check for eligible low-income residents within the Bellevue service area.
Bellevue also posts application windows:
- Discount program: Feb. 1, 2026–Oct. 30, 2026
- Rebate program: Apr. 1, 2026–Oct. 30, 2026
- Tax program: Oct. 1, 2026–Nov. 15, 2026
- Emergency Assistance Program: year-round
- Neighbors Helping Neighbors: year-round (for past-due bills)
Quick “today” primer: how Bellevue bills work now (2026 rate sheet)
To understand what’s behind the forecast numbers, it helps to know how Bellevue’s current utility charges are structured. Bellevue’s 2026 rate sheet notes that all charges are billed bi-monthly (unless otherwise stated), and that 1 CCF = 748 gallons.
On the Utilities rates hub, Bellevue also explains the main drivers behind today’s charges:
- Water service: based on the size of your meter and your water use; water use is billed in 100 cubic feet (1 CCF) units (748 gallons per CCF).
- Sewer service (single-family): includes a wastewater treatment charge from King County Metro plus volume charges based on meter readings taken between Dec. 15 and June 15.
- Storm and surface water service: based on the square footage of your property and the percentage of impervious surfaces (like roofs and driveways).
What to do next (a short checklist)
- Use Bellevue’s “typical single-family” bill estimate as a planning reference—not a guarantee—because actual bills depend on usage and the assumptions in the forecast packet.
- Compare your household’s billing pattern to the forecast’s bi-monthly usage assumptions (CCF volumes and chargeable units).
- If affordability is a concern, review the Utility Bill Assistance page for the right program type and posted application window.
- Watch the process calendar for the ESC review and the City Council step—Bellevue labels the engagement dates as tentative, so confirm timing if you plan to attend.
Key sources
- City of Bellevue Utilities: Water/Sewer/Storm rates hub (rate review + proposed 2027–2028 engagement and public hearing info)
- Bellevue Legistar: 2027–2032 Utilities early outlook rates forecast (2027–2028 “typical single-family” bill projections packet/presentation)
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