Water Damage Restoration in Tacoma, WA

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On average, Tacoma, WA residents spend about $117 per month on electricity. That adds up to $1,404 per year.

That’s 50% lower than the national average electric bill of $2,796. The average electric rates in Tacoma, WA cost 11 ¢/kilowatt-hour (kWh), so that means that the average electricity customer in Tacoma, WA is using 1,100.00 kWh of electricity per month, and 13200 kWh over the course of the year.

This data is aggregated over the past 6 months.

Key takeaways about electric rates in Tacoma, WA

Electric bill savings with solar in Tacoma, WA

Solar saves you money by reducing or eliminating your monthly electric bill. The amount that you can save with solar in Tacoma, WA is based on two factors: how much you spend on electricity now and how much of your electric bill you can offset with solar.

Based on the intensity and amount of sunlight hours in Tacoma, WA, the average electricity customer in Tacoma, WA will need a 9.5 kilowatt (kW) solar panel system to offset 100% of their annual electricity consumption of 13200 kWh per year. On the EnergySage Marketplace, solar shoppers in Tacoma, WA pay an average of $28,000 for a 9.5 kW solar panel system prior to incentives.

The savings from offsetting 100% of an electric bill with solar can add up fast! Assuming an 2.4% annual increase in electricity prices and that you install your system with a $0-down loan, you can expect to save $1,400 in your first year, $7,400 over five years, $15,700 over 10 years, and $35,600 over 20 years on electric bills in Tacoma, WA. Over your system’s lifetime you’ll save more by financing your solar system with a cash purchase, but you won’t start saving in year one. Learn more about how to finance your solar panel system.

Electric bills in Tacoma, WA

Monthly electric bills are a product of how much electricity you use per month and your electric rate. In Tacoma, WA, the average monthly electric bill for residential customers is $117/month, which is calculated by multiplying the average monthly consumption by the average electric rate: 1,100.00 kWh * 11 ¢/kWh.

Electric bills are designed to cover all of the costs of producing the electricity that you use, of running and maintaining the electrical grid to help prevent outages, and of any public benefit funds that promote things like renewable energy and energy efficiency. These costs are rolled into both fixed charges (i.e., monthly customer charges) and variable charges (i.e., ¢/kWh that you use). While fixed charges will remain the same from month to month, the portion of variable charges on your bill each month will change based on how much electricity you use. As a result, there are two ways to reduce your bills: by either using less electricity or by reducing the cost of electricity, by installing solar for instance.

The easiest way to compare the cost of electricity from one region to another is to look at the electricity rate. Residential rates in the U.S. range from 6 ¢/kWh to 71 ¢/kWh depending upon where you live, what types of power plants provide your electricity, and when during the day or year you’re consuming electricity.

The average residential electricity rate in Tacoma, WA is 11 ¢/kWh, which is 18% lower than the average electricity rate in Washington of 12.99 ¢/kWh. The average residential electricity rate in Tacoma, WA is 43% lower than the national average rate of 19 ¢/kWh.

How solar helps you save on electric bills

Solar panel systems help you save money by reducing your monthly electric bills. Although a $50 or $100 electric bill might not seem like much when you pay it each month, those bills add up quickly over ten, twenty or even thirty years: if you pay $100 per month in electricity now, you’ll pay over $52,000 on electricity over the next thirty years!

Assuming a 2.4% annual increase based on inflation and average annual electric rate increases.

Installing solar allows you to reduce or even eliminate your electric bill: when you pay upfront for solar panels, you are effectively paying today for the electricity you’ll use over the next 25 or even 30 years. Calculating your savings from investing in solar is as simple as subtracting the amount you pay for solar from what you would have paid for electricity otherwise.

EnergySage can help you go solar and save!

We know electric bills add up over time, and going solar is a great way to save money while helping the environment. When you sign up on the EnergySage Marketplace, you'll be able to receive and compare solar quotes side-by-side from qualified solar installers in your area. We're here to help along the way - talk with one of our Energy Advisors to learn more about your unique quotes, any local solar incentives you may be eligible for, or any other questions about saving on electric bills with solar.

Frequently asked questions about electric rates and solar

In 2022, the average solar payback period in Tacoma is about 17.74 years – this is the point in time at which your solar investment will start to earn you money.

In most cases, you will still have an electric bill with solar. Even if your solar system offsets 100 percent of your electricity use, as long as your property remains grid-connected, your utility will still send you a bill. However, it’s possible that your bill will be $0 or even negative if your electricity supply to the grid is more than you pull (depending on the incentives available in your location).

In most cases, your monthly payment towards your solar loan will be less than your electric bill – this means that if you install a solar system with a $0-down loan, you can start saving immediately! However, you’ll still pay more over the lifetime of your system with a solar loan compared to an upfront cash payment due to the interest that accrues.

If you live in an area with retail energy providers (REPs), you may choose to switch from your standard electricity utility to a REP. There are two main options for REP contracts: fixed and variable rates. If you choose a fixed-rate plan, you’ll pay a fixed price per kWh that will remain throughout the duration of your contract. On the other hand, if you choose a variable rate plan, the rate you pay for energy will fluctuate based on the wholesale price of electricity from your energy company, which represents how much power plants charge electric companies to buy the electricity they produce.

If you’re on a demand charge electric rate, your electric bill will be based on the maximum amount of power you use over a single time period (like an hour or fifteen minute period) in a given month. You’ll still be billed for your monthly consumption, but the rate you owe for consumption will be low compared to a typical electric bill; thus, the best way to reduce the amount you owe each month is to decrease the amount of electricity you use all at once – like by installing a solar or solar-plus-storage system.

Time-of-use electric rates are an electricity plan designed to incentivize you to use less electricity when the cost of generation is high. Time-of-use rates follow a set schedule, resulting in your electricity provider charging you more for your electricity consumption when the cost of generation and demand for electricity are high (i.e., the afternoon of a hot summer day) and less when both of these are low (i.e., in the middle of the night). You can save money in two ways: by being thoughtful about when you’re running certain appliances and waiting for off-peak times when cheap electricity is available, and by installing a solar battery to reduce the amount of electricity you pull from the grid when rates are high.

When your solar panels are producing more electricity than you’re consuming, you can use that excess energy to charge your solar battery. Now let’s say your electricity usage is more than your panels are able to produce when electric rates are surging – with a solar battery, you can choose to use the energy you’ve stored rather than pull from the grid, protecting you from surge rates and high energy costs, and getting you the best electric rate possible.

Lina Shah

This summer, we picked the perfect time to explore and experience the enchanting beauty of Mount Rainier, Washington. We had heard so much about its magic and mystery. With our son now living in Tacoma, we often caught glimpses of the mountain’s summit from his balcony on clear days, fueling our desire to visit.

Mount Rainier, known as “Tacoma” in the Lushootseed language (pronounced “Taquoma”), shares its name with the nearby city in the Puget Sound region. The earliest activities of Native Americans around the area date back to 4000-5600 BCE, particularly along the Bench Lake trail. We planned our trip meticulously using traveltacoma.com. Before heading to the National Park, we spent two days exploring Tacoma.

We were warmly greeted at the glass-art-themed boutique hotel, Hotel Murano, located steps away from the Convention Center and the city’s best museums and restaurants. We will forever cherish the breathtaking waterfront views of Puget Sound that we enjoyed from our room. The hotel itself is a gallery, featuring the designs and masterpieces of different glass artists on each floor.

After settling in, we visited the Washington State History Museum, which provided an interactive and informative experience. We learned about the traditional lands of the Puyallup People, who have stewarded this land for generations. Next, we visited the Tacoma Art Museum, home to over 5,400 art pieces and a leading resource for art from the Pacific Northwest and greater western region.

The following morning, we explored the pride of the city, the Museum of Glass, known for its premier contemporary glass artworks. The iconic Chihuly Bridge of Glass, visible from I-705, is free to walk on and showcases Dale Chihuly’s glass works masterpieces. We were fortunate to witness live glass art creations by visiting artists, adding to the sense of excitement and wonder.

In the afternoon, we ventured to Point Defiance Park, a large urban park just a 15-minute drive from the museum district. We spent the rest of the day at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, exploring its living history museum, trails, boardwalk, boathouse, the scenic Dune Peninsula, Rose Garden, Fort Nisqually, and the ferry dock to Vashon Island.

The drive from Tacoma to Mount Rainier National Park takes about two hours southeast. Our journey to the majestic Mount Rainier National Park began with a stop at Mill Haus Cider Co. for lunch. The park preserves its wilderness, iconic glaciated volcano, and natural and cultural resources. Our scenic drive through the park included stops at Longmire District, Narada Falls, Glacier View Bridge, and Ricksecker viewpoints, where we took in stunning scenery and captured memorable photos.

We checked into the historic Paradise Inn, one of the “Great Lodges of the West,” surrounded by lush mountain meadows and panoramic views of glaciers and waterfalls. We visited the Henry Jackson Visitor Center, enjoyed a theatrical experience about Mount Rainier, and caught the sunset from rocking chairs in the lodge’s lobby, followed by an evening playing board games by the cozy fireplace.

The next day, we drove a section of Stevens Canyon Road, stopping at Inspiration Point and Reflection Lakes for breathtaking views and photos. We also visited Box Canyon, marveling at the 180-foot-deep canyon carved by rushing water. There were plenty of informational boards along the way educating us on the local flora and fauna. After lunch at the National Park Inn, we returned to Paradise Inn and walked to Myrtle Falls. We were fortunate to participate in the 125th Anniversary celebration of the National Park and attended US Poet Laureate Ada Limón’s book unveiling ceremony. We hiked to Panorama Point – and even in June, the hike was covered in snow! That hike goes as high as 6800 feet in elevation. For those interested in hiking to Camp Muir for snowfield skiing, it’s essential to check current conditions with the rangers, as the trek can be long and strenuous.

Early the next morning, we walked the Skyline Trail to capture the beautiful sunrise at Edith Creek. Before leaving the park, we stopped at the Carter Falls trailhead for one last view of America’s Everest, making our visit to Mount Rainier unforgettable.

Back in Tacoma, we explored the LeMay-America’s Car Museum and LeMay Collections at Marymount, the largest privately owned collection of automobiles in the country. We were fortunate to meet Mrs. LeMay and learned about the museum’s various exhibits, school programs, and events.

In the afternoon, we headed to Point Ruston, an inspired waterfront community. We rented bikes from Wheel Fun Rentals to explore the recreation, entertainment, shopping, dining, and living spaces. To enjoy panoramic views of the South Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier, we took a scenic seaplane ride with Kenmore Air. The 30-minute narrated flight highlighted landmarks against the stunning backdrop of Mount Rainier. The thrill of flying off the water and soaring over one of the most beautiful regions in the world was unparalleled.

Our journey exploring Mount Rainier and Tacoma, Washington, enriched our appreciation for this uniquely vibrant region.

Lina Shah, A Freelance writer, Editor, Teacher, Social worker, Financial professional, a multi-talented suburban Chicagoland wife and a mother of two, also enjoys cooking, social gathering, and event planning.

Also Read: Lina Shah Gets into Million Dollar Round Table

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released the location of the Tacoma Washington Temple, one of six houses of the Lord in the Pacific Northwest state.

The site announcement includes the first details of the future temple.

Planned as a multistory structure of approximately 45,000 square feet, the Tacoma Washington Temple will be built on an 11.6-acre site at 1405 S. 364th Way, Federal Way, Washington. An accompanying utility building is planned for the site as well.

The temple site is three miles south of central Federal Way, six miles northeast of Tacoma and 23 miles south of downtown Seattle. Federal Way and Tacoma are part of the greater Seattle metropolitan area.

The site release was first published Monday, Sept. 16, on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

President Russell M. Nelson announced a future house of the Lord for the Tacoma area on Oct. 2, 2022, one of 18 temple locations he identified at the conclusion of October 2022 general conference.

President Nelson’s announcement included a promise and an invitation. “I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can,” he said, later adding, “May you focus on the temple in ways you never have before.”

Washington is home to more than 281,000 Latter-day Saints in nearly 490 congregations and four operating houses of the Lord — the Seattle Washington Temple (dedicated in 1980), the Spokane Washington Temple (1999), the Columbia River Washington Temple (2001) and the Moses Lake Washington Temple (2023). The Vancouver Washington Temple was announced on Oct. 1, 2023, with its site identified on Feb. 26, 2024, and an exterior rendering released earlier this month.

The Church of Jesus Christ in Washington dates back to the mid-19th century, when four missionaries laboring in the area of California were sent into the Washington and Oregon territories. Enough converts joined to create a congregation just north of present-day Vancouver along the Lewis River, a tributary of the Columbia River.

Many Church members helped with the 1880s railroad construction of the Northern Pacific Oregon Short Line in Washington. In 1930, Church membership in the state totaled 1,900 in eight congregations, with chapels in Seattle, Spokane, Olympia and Everett.

Completed in the early 1940s, the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River in central Washington produced hydroelectric power and increased irrigation water, resulting in many Latter-day Saints moving into the area and the state.

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