On July 31, Governor Inslee issued Proclamation 20-23.7, extending the temporary pause on utilities disconnecting service, refusing to reconnect service, and charging late fees through Oct. 15. The proclamation also provides updated guidance for energy utilities.
Utilities should proactively reach out to customers with overdue accounts to encourage customers to enter into payment arrangements. Energy companies can use the social media toolkit on the UTC website to direct customers to our consumer help line and share their customer assistance programs.
Guidance for Energy Utilities:
- Utilities should develop outreach and communications plans to provide information to customers about options for bill payment assistance and payment plans. Where needed, information should be provided in languages other than English.
- The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) will serve as the single point of contact within state government for customers seeking energy bill assistance information at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or consumer@utc.wa.gov.
- All COVID-19 Energy Utility Customer Support Programs should be posted on the Department of Commerce’s Electric and Natural Gas Rate Payer Assistance Resource. Utilities not on the list should contact the UTC or Department of Commerce to be added.
Read the complete guidelines on the Governor’s website.
Topic(s)
Energy