When To Call The Commission

What the Commission Does and Does Not Regulate

We regulate many utilities that directly impact your life and community. This guide outlines what the commission can help you with when it comes to your electricity, natural gas, water, telephone, residential moving, and solid waste services.

We provide links for who can get you help with some unregulated problems, such as the Attorney General's Office (AG) or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

UTC Consumer Protection Specialists are available at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or by emailing consumer@utc.wa.gov.

When to Call the Commission

Electric

Electric service issues: when to call the commission and what the UTC does not regulate
Call the Commission	The UTC Does Not Regulate
Investor-owned electric companies such as: Puget Sound Energy Avista Utilities PacifiCorp Rates and charges Meter and billing accuracy Reliability of electric service Quality of service	Municipally owned, Public Utility District, and cooperative electric utilities such as: Seattle City Light Tacoma Power and Light Snohomish PUD Electrical wiring inside the customer’s home Damage claims Placement or relocation of utility poles

Natural Gas

Natural gas service issues: when to call the commission and what the UTC does not regulate
Call the Commission	The UTC Does Not Regulate
Investor-owned natural gas companies such as: Puget Sound Energy Avista Utilities Northwest Natural Gas Cascade Natural Gas Rates and charges Meter and billing accuracy Reliability of natural gas service Quality of service	Municipally owned gas utilities Appliances and equipment inside the customer’s home Damage claims Customer-owned gas line installation or repair

Water

Water service issues: when to call the commission and what the UTC does not regulate
Call the Commission	The UTC Does Not Regulate
Investor-owned water companies Rates and charges Billing accuracy Service complaints	Municipal water systems and public utility districts Water quality (contact local health department) Private wells Plumbing inside the customer’s home

Telecommunications

Telecommunications issues: when to call the commission and what the UTC does not regulate
Call the Commission	The UTC Does Not Regulate
Landline telephone companies Service quality complaints Billing issues Disconnection notices	Wireless/cell phone providers Internet service providers Cable television companies Programming/content disputes

Solid Waste

Solid waste service issues: when to call the commission and what the UTC does not regulate
Call the Commission	The UTC Does Not Regulate
Garbage collection companies in unincorporated areas Rates and charges Service complaints	City-operated garbage services City or county recycling programs Illegal dumping issues

Residential Movers

Residential moving services: when to call the commission and what the UTC does not regulate
Call the Commission	The UTC Does Not Regulate
Household goods movers within Washington state Rates and estimates Service complaints Loss or damage claims	Interstate (out-of-state) moves Self-service moving companies Rental truck companies