Beware of Imposter Scams

The UTC does not collect funds or issue refunds on behalf of utility companies. If you think that you have been targeted by this scam, please contact your utility company immediately.

COVID-19 Utility Assistance

Note: The UTC does not provide rental assistance. Anyone with questions about rental assistance in Thurston County should contact the Thurston County Manager or call the Department of Commerce at 360-725-4000.

Payment Options

If you are struggling to pay overdue utility bills you have options, but you must take action now. Call your utility today and ask them about:

  • COVID-19 assistance funds
  • Payment plans
  • Budget billing

Find out more about energy assistance programs that may be available to you.

If you need help talking to your utility, call the UTC at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) and we can help. You can also read our consumer alert for more information.

Information available in multiple languages

COVID-19 Assistance Funds

The UTC approved $40 million in COVID-19 assistance funds to help energy and natural gas customers struggling with utility bills. Call your utility now to see if you are eligible, even if you've already received other assistance, or have been denied assistance before. 

Payment Plans

You can also talk to your company about setting up a payment plan, to help you spread out the cost of the overdue bills over a period of time. Companies can disconnect customers for nonpayment - call today to avoid disconnection.

Utility Assistance Funds

In addition to the COVID-19 assistance funds, many utilities have other assistance programs for low-income customers. Give your company a call to find out what you might be eligible for.

Water and Broadband

For help with water and wastewater bills, the federal Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) has grants available. The FCC also offers the Emergency Broadband Benefit to help households afford internet service during the pandemic.

Temporary Pause on Late Fees and Deposits

Energy companies are currently banned from charging late fees, disconnect fees, reconnect fees, or deposits. Customers are still responsible for their unpaid balances and utilities can disconnect service for customers with overdue bills.

If you have overdue bills, contact your utility today to discuss options like assistance funds or payment plans to avoid disconnection.

A full list of assistance programs for electric or natural gas utilities is available from the Department of Commerce. You can also apply for federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grants, find your local agency here.

Scam Alert

Watch out for scammers pretending to be your utility company. If someone calls you and threatens to shut off your service without immediate payment, hang up and call the number on your bill. Your utility company will never shut off your service without official written notice.

Who We Regulate

The commission regulates private investor-owned electric and natural gas companiestelephone companies (excluding broadband), and private water companies.

If you call us with questions about a utility that we don't regulate, we will try to connect you to someone who can help.