UTC Connections

April 2013

Digging? Know What's Below!
How the new law affects your digging project.

Gov. Inslee has proclaimed April as Safe Digging Month! Take time this spring to learn about safe digging and protecting underground utilities.

Since Jan. 1, utilities, excavators and the public are seeing rigorous enforcement of the state's "call-before-you-dig" law, including higher penalties, mandatory damage-reporting and clearer procedures. The new law affects all utilities and anyone excavating, including homeowners. The changes are intended to improve communication between both groups and ultimately decrease damage to underground utilities and pipelines. For more information on the state's new and improved dig law, click here.

Need Help with High Heating Bills?

Payment assistance is available.

If you are having difficulty paying high winter heating bills, help is available. Check with your energy company to see if you qualify for a payment assistant program. You may also qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides heating assistance through the winter. For qualification requirements and information on applying, click here.

For more information on heating assistance options, click here or call the commission's help line at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882).

From the Consumer Man

Hear what Herb Weisbaum has to say.

Consumerman, Herb Weisbaum, is helping to raise awareness of the commission's Consumer Protection Help Line! To listen to what he has to say, click here.

Staying Safe Around Trains and Tracks

Follow Washington Operation Lifesaver.

Start the new year with a new safety resolution to always take care around train tracks and crossings. You can do this by following the Washington Operation Lifesaver (WAOL) on Facebook. WAOL is a public service education program dedicated to preventing fatalities and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and other locations along the railroad right-of-way. Help share the message of rail safety on social media.

To follow the WAOL Facebook page, click here.

Need Help?

Call the commission.

If you have a problem with a regulated electric, natural gas, telephone or water company, the commission can help!

Call the commission's Consumer Protection Help Line at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or email consumer@utc.wa.gov.

To file a complaint online, click here.

Stay Connected

Follow the commission.

The commission is now on Twitter! Follow us @WAUTC. Stay connected to consumer alerts, money-saving tips, and more on the commission's social media pages! Click the icons below to start following us today!

Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
www.utc.wa.gov | 888.333.9882