Understanding Your Electric and Gas Consumer Utility Rights
DENVER - (March 15, 2018) -- The Colorado Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC), which represents Colorado’s residential, small business, and agricultural utility consumers in electric and natural gas proceedings before the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), acknowledges today as World Consumer Rights Day. The OCC encourages consumers to familiarize themselves with their rights regarding their electric and gas utilities.
When it comes to gas and electric utility bills, there are a variety of reasons you may need guidance or assistance to find relief, such as issues with certain billing charges that may not be clear to you or you're not sure that you should be paying. Or perhaps you are having issues with your utility performing maintenance that affects your own personal property. Also, it can be distressing when your power is shut off, disconnected without notice, or if the utility company has refused to provide service.
In these instances, it’s good to know when and who to call regarding a dispute or when you have a question.
To better understand your rights and ways you can educate yourself should an incident occur, there are a number of resources that could help. For example, the PUC website posts a series of “Consumer For Your Information (FYI) Publications” that addresses common questions and provides more detailed information regarding the full scope of the regulated utility process ranging from transportation, telephone, electric and gas. More specifically, check out these tips from the PUC on resolving issues and filing complaints. For more information visit the PUC’s complaint process page or contact the Consumer Affairs section at 303-894-2070 or toll free 1-800-456-0858 outside of the Denver metro area.
About the Office of Consumer Counsel:
The Colorado Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC), a division within the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), represents residential, small business, and agricultural utility consumers as a class in electric and natural gas proceedings before the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The OCC does not regulate; it advises and advocates on behalf of consumers. The OCC helps consumers by lowering or eliminating proposed utility rate increases and by ensuring that utility rates, regulations and policies are more equitable for residential, small business, and agricultural consumers.
About DORA:
DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit www.dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855/toll free 1-800-886-7675 outside of Denver
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