Planning yard work this spring? Call Before You Dig!
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Spring is here, which means it’s time to get your outdoor projects started. Planning on digging a new garden? Or installing a fence in your yard? Pipelines and other underground utilities run just beneath the ground’s surface. Digging into these lines can be costly to repair and put you and your neighbors at risk. Save yourself the headache by calling 8-1-1 for a free underground utility locate before you break ground. Not only is it the law, but it can prevent you from damaging dangerous underground utilities and footing the expensive bill. |
Calling 8-1-1 is easy! Just dial 8-1-1 from any phone at least two business days before your planned digging project. The notification center will ask for some basic information about the location of your project and then notify all of your local utility companies to come out and mark their underground utility lines and pipes within your planned dig area.
For more information, visit www.callbeforeyoudig.org
Protect your move
Check with the state before it’s too late!
May is the unofficial start of moving season, and if you are planning a move within Washington state make sure the moving company you hire is permitted.
Movers offering in-state moves must have a permit with the UTC. A permitted company must obey state consumer protection laws, safely maintain their vehicles and equipment, ensure employees are drug free, and maintain proper insurance. If you have a problem with a regulated company, you can call the commission for help. But, if you hire an unpermitted company, you risk having your belongings stolen, lost, or damaged, leaving you little to no recourse to recover your property.
Make sure to check a company’s permit status and consumer complaint history before even calling for an estimate. You can check the permit of a moving company by calling the commission's Consumer Help Line at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or visiting us online.
If your move takes you across state lines, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers helpful advice to assist with your move.
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UTC Chairman Dave Danner was confirmed by the state Senate on March 1. Governor Inslee reappointed Chair Danner to a 6-year term that runs until Jan. 1, 2025. Prior to being chairman, he served as the agency’s executive director for eight years. This is Chair Danner’s second 6-year term. For more information, click here.
The UTC is a proud member Consumer Protection Washington, which is an advocacy group made up of several public agencies that focus on keeping consumers safe through education. At CPW events, consumers learn how to protect themselves from issues like utility scams, identity theft, credit and debt protection scams, and charity fraud. CPW is hosting events at the following locations this spring:
- Des Moines, April 30
- Packwood, May 2
- Toledo, May 8
- Centralia, June 4
- Lacey, June 6
- Auburn, June 13
- Ryderwood, June 18
- Morton, June 25
- Winlock, June 27
For more information or to request a speaker, contact us here.
The Utilities and Transportation Commission is moving! Starting July 1, the commission will be located at 621 Woodland Square Loop SE in Lacey. The new building will provide a safe, accessible, and energy efficient environment for our visitors and employees. For more information, click here.
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