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UTC Connections.
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Sept. 16, 9:30 a.m.
Sept. 30, 9:30 a.m. Oct. 14, 9:30 a.m. |
What consumers are saying...
"Thank you - didn't know there was such an office here to help."
- Barbara, Renton
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Welcome!
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. |
Are You on Facebook?
Stay connected to news, events and more on the commission's Facebook page! Visit www.facebook.com/WAUTC and become a fan today!
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Need Telephone Assistance?
 The Washington Telephone Assistance Program (WTAP) offers low-income residents a discount on basic telephone service. Gov. Chris Gregoire has declared September 13-17 WTAP Awareness Week, encouraging the promotion of this vital program. If you are receiving assistance from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), you may qualify for the WTAP telephone discount.
To sign up for the program, contact your telephone company and provide them with your DSHS client ID number. If you are not eligible for WTAP, you may qualify for a free voice mailbox to stay connected to doctors, potential employers and family. For more information on WTAP, click here or call DSHS at 1-888-700-8880. For information on a free voice mailbox visit www.cvm.org.
If you have problems signing up for WTAP, call the UTC's Consumer Protection Help Line at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or file a complaint online using our Online Complaint Form. |
Avista Rate Case
 On Aug. 25, Avista reached an agreement with staff members of the UTC and other parties on a proposed settlement of its case requesting increased electric and natural gas rates in Washington. The proposed all-party settlement now goes before the three-member UTC, which will make a final decision on the utility's rate-increase request this fall. The commission is not bound by the staff recommendation.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the average residential electric customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours-a-month would see an increase of $5.62, for an average $77.41 monthly bill. The typical natural-gas customer using 70 therms a month would pay about $2.20 more, for a revised bill of $63.01.
Avista customers will be able to comment to state regulators on the proposed settlement agreement at a public meeting scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6 at the Spokane City Council Chambers, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., Spokane.
For more information, click here. |
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
 This fall, what steps will you take for future generations? By living a more sustainable lifestyle we can evaluate how our decisions today will affect society, the environment and the economy of the future. For simple sustainability, just remember the three Rs:- Reduce - Sell or giveaway used furniture, clothing, bicycles and other unneeded items.
- Reuse - Compost food and yard waste for use in the garden.
- Recycle - Paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic, batteries, and fluorescent light bulbs can all be recycled. Take hazardous waste and electronics to collection sites.
Keep in mind that more than 60 percent of the trash that ends up in the bin can be recycled. For a guide to recycling in your area visit the state Department of Ecology's recycling website at 1800recycle.wa.gov. |
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Join the Conservation Conversation!
 Winter is fast approaching, and the commission wants to hear from you! How do you save energy and keep your utility bills low when the chill sets in? Do you take steps to winterize? Join the conversation on our Facebook page! To share your tips, click here. |
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Are You On the Do Not Call List?
 There is a simple way to stop telemarketers from calling you home or mobile phone. The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls. Most telemarketers should not call your number once it has been on the registry for 31 days. Your registration will not expire. If telemarketers continue to call, you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission. Register your home or mobile phone for free online at www.donotcall.gov.
The Do Not Call Registry will not stop calls on behalf of political organizations, charities, and telephone surveyors. It will also not stop calls from companies that you have an existing business relationship. |
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What Can the UTC Do For You? 
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