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Correction: The links in this article have been updated, and language has been added to clarify that the $40 million in new assistance funds is for energy customers.
Money available to help with utility bills
While energy, telephone, and water utilities are currently banned from disconnecting service or charging late fees through July 31, it’s important that customers take action now to discuss options, including assistance funds. The commission issued a consumer alert to remind you to work with your utility to learn about options like energy assistance, budget billing, and payment plans. If you’re behind on payments, don’t wait until July 31 to ask for help, call your utility today.
Many customers who didn't previously qualify may now eligible for assistance. The UTC recently approved over $40 million in energy assistance funds for electric and natural gas customers.
If you will not be able to pay, contact your utility or call us at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or visit our COVID-19 utility help page at www.utc.wa.gov/CovidHelp as soon as possible.
COVID-19 assistance in multiple languages
COVID-19 utility assistance information is now available in more than 30 different languages. To view the translated information, visit the commission’s multilingual resource center. Please share these with anyone you know that may need help.
You can always speak with our staff and an interpreter, free of charge. Simply call the commission at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) and ask for an interpreter.
It’s now easier than ever to tune in to what’s happening at the commission. The UTC launched a new streaming feature that allows anyone to watch public meetings live, or later.
Simply visit www.utc.wa.gov/watch to stream commission meetings live. After the meeting ends, the recording will also be available so you can watch it anytime.
Anyone speaking during the meeting will still need to attend using the provided Microsoft Teams link or dial in information found in the meeting notice.
As life slowly returns to normal many people are resuming plans they had put on hold, including moving. May is Safe Moving Month and this time of year is still the busiest for people looking to move. If you’re moving within the state of Washington and planning to hire a moving company, here is some information you need to know:
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Always check with the commission to ensure the company has valid permits. You can call the commission at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or use the look up tool.
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Starting in October, all calls made must include the area code, even if they’re not long distance and within the same area code.
This change to 10-digit dialing is a first step toward ensuring that everyone in the country will be able to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline using a three-digit code of 988 that launches in 2022.
10-digit dialing will not affect the price of calls, coverage areas, whether a call is local or long-distance, rates and services, or any other existing three-digit lines such as 911, 711, and 211.
In addition to the dialing changes, important safety and security equipment such as medical alert devices and alarm and security systems must be programmed to use 10-digit dialing. While many systems use 10-digit dialing by default, some older equipment may still use seven-digits. Customers should contact their medical alert or security provider if they are not sure whether they need to reprogram their equipment.
More information about the change to 10-digit dialing and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be found at utc.wa.gov/988.
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When you visit www.utc.wa.gov, you’ll notice we have a brand new site. The new website is easier to navigate, mobile friendly, and more accessible.
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If you haven’t been to the new utc.wa.gov lately, head over to check out the new site. Once there, you will notice there is now an online chat feature that is available during regular business hours. You can open it up and start talking with a staff member right away, making it even easier to get the answers you need.
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