For proper germination, seeds need complete darkness and plants do not need light until they are "born" and break through the surface of the substrate.
However, if it is extremely cold where you are during the germination phase, lights can provide additional warmth that can stimulate germination, but generally it is the need for complete darkness and no lighting for best germination. So, save on your electricity bill for a few days.
Hope this helps,...........
Organoman.