Media Contact: (360) 664-1116 or media@utc.wa.gov
LACEY, Wash. – In 2024, consumer protection staff at the Utilities and Transportation Commission closed 1,052 total customer complaints across six industries, helping to return $268,193 in credits and refunds to consumers.
The complaints covered various issues, including service quality, disputed bills, and customer service. UTC staff were able to resolve these complaints by working directly with utilities and service providers to ensure customers received fair treatment and compensation.
As in previous years, landline telecommunications companies topped the list of closed complaints, making up 69% of the total. Electric and natural gas utilities accounted for 15% of the closed complaints, while 12% were against solid waste companies. The remainder of complaints involved moving and water companies.
The UTC’s Consumer Protection Help Line received 3,750 phone calls and responded to over 1,776 letters, web complaints, and emails from the public. In addition to resolving individual complaints, UTC staff helped consumers find utility assistance, provided information about consumer rights, and helped locate licensed residential moving and passenger transportation companies.
As part of National Consumer Protection Week, the UTC encourages consumers to know their rights and take action if they have issues with services. National Consumer Protection Week, which runs March 2-8, is a reminder for consumers to stay informed and make better decisions when dealing with utilities and other services.
Consumers can file a complaint against a regulated company by calling the Consumer Protection Help Line at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882), emailing consumer@utc.wa.gov, or visiting www.utc.wa.gov/fileacomplaint.
The UTC regulates the rates and services of investor-owned electric utilities, telecommunications companies, natural gas and water companies, solid waste collection companies, household-goods movers and passenger transportation companies, commercial ferries, pipeline companies, marine pilotage, and a low-level radioactive waste repository. The commission does not regulate the rates of broadband services, cellular, cable, or Internet service.
