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Recent Rate Cases
New rates for Jan. 1.
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Need Help?
Call the Commission!
What consumers are saying...
"It was a pleasure to speak with your representative. He was friendly, factual, addressed all issues and followed through until they were resolved. Thank you."
Kimberly, Washougal |
Jan.14, 9:30 a.m.
Jan. 28, 9:30 a.m.
Feb. 11, 9:30 a.m. |
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Happy New Year!
Welcome to the Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) e-newsletter. If you have questions about UTC Connections, please e-mail consumer@utc.wa.gov.
The UTC works every day to protect consumers by ensuring that utility and transportation services are fairly priced, available, reliable and safe. This bi-monthly e-newsletter is intended to provide you with current information about regulated industries, current issues and topics that impact you. |
Help for Heating Bills
 If you need help paying your winter heating bills, help is here. To recieve federal cash assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) visit www.liheapwa.org. For additional energy assistance programs, call 211.
If you have been threatened with disconnection of utility services, call the commission for help at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or e-mail consumer@utc.wa.gov. |
Need Help? Call the Commission!
In 2009, the commission's help line saved consumers in Washington over $700,000! The top consumer complaints were billing disputes, disconnect threats and customer service issues. If you need help with a regulated company in 2010, call the commission at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or e-mail consumer@utc.wa.gov. |
Attention Verizon Customers
 Last May, Verizon announced an agreement in which Frontier Communications Corp. would acquire approximately 4.8 million landline phone lines as part of an $8.6 billion transaction in 14 states. The deal still needs approval from utility commissions in nine states and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Three states have approved the transaction. The sale does not include Verizon Wireless customers.
In December, the commission's regulatory staff entered into a multi-party settlement with numerous consumer protection conditions the companies must meet in order to allow the transaction to be completed in Washington state. This settlement will go to the three-member commission next for review, which operates independently from staff. They are expected to make a final decision by Mar. 8.
If you would like to comment on this proposal; send your comments to P.O. Box 47250 Olympia, WA, 98504; e-mail comments@utc.wa.gov or call toll-free 1-888-333-9882. The deadline for accepting public comments is Jan. 11.
For more information on the proposed settlement, click here. |
Commission Shuts Down Illegal Mover
 Thanks to a new law passed in 2009, moving companies operating illegally - without a UTC permit - are breaking the law if they advertise their services to you. This law gives the commission the tools to shut down an illegally operating company. The first company ordered to cease and desist under this law was Seattle-based Action Moving Co., owned by Thomas Shanks. The company was also fined $10,000. Action Moving has been operating illegally for a number of years.
If you plan to hire a mover, call the commission and make sure the company holds a valid state permit. This ensures that your belongings are protected by the law. Customers who move with an illegal company have little or no recourse if their belongings are damaged or stolen. To see the most recent list of permitted companies, click here. Remember to check with the state before it's too late!
For a complete guide to moving in Washington, click here.
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Pass Along Assistance Information
 In this economy, helping our neighbors is more important than ever. We may have vital information that could be a lifeline for someone in our community. The commission offers handouts and consumer guides that may help someone you know find telephone assistance, reduce their energy bill or help keep their lights on. For a complete list of our consumer materials, click here. A new handout for the Washington Telephone Assistance Program also includes a magnet you can pass along to someone in need. If you'd like to order materials, please e-mail outreach@utc.wa.gov. |
Census 2010 - It's in Our Hands
 The 2010 US Census is underway! More than 130 million addresses throughout the nation will receive a census form in March, either by mail or in person from a census worker. Census workers can be identified by a census badge and bag. Return your household's form by April 1, and make sure to account for everyone living in your household. Make a difference in your community and be counted in 2010. For more information, click here. |
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What Can the UTC Do For You? 
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