Public Input

Opportunities for Public Comment

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) seeks comments from the public when making decisions on rate, service, and policy filings. Your voice can make a difference. Comments can be made in person, at a public comment hearing, at an open meeting, in writing, or by submitting a comment form online. In major WUTC cases, all written and oral comments are included in the evidentiary record for the case.

How to Comment

Consumer comments on rate cases, mergers, rulemakings, open meetings and other cases provide valuable input to the Commission as they make decisions.  When providing comments, you should include the UTC Docket Number of the matter on which you are commenting. You can submit comments by contacting the WUTC:

• In writing at: P.O. Box 47250,Olympia, WA 98504-7250

Please include a return address and a description of the filing;

• By email at comments@utc.wa.gov;
• Online by clicking here; or
• By calling toll-free 1-888-333-WUTC (9882).

What to Expect at a Public Hearing

The Commissioners (a three-member commission appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Washington State Senate) may travel to the Company’s service area to gather public opinion and input at a Public Comment Hearing. You do not have to be an expert in utility regulation to provide commentary, but can simply describe how the Company’s proposal in question will impact you. Public comments are important to the Commissioners because ratepayers have valuable information about the quality of a company’s service.  You can attend a hearing to observe, or you can choose to provide oral comments before the Commissioners. You will make your statement under oath, and a court reporter will record what you say.  Comments then become part of the evidentiary record. 

Information about Rate Cases and Hearings

• You can learn more about rate cases and the ratemaking process by visitng the WUTC's Legal Process page.
• You can review the major active cases on WUTC’s hearings page.
• You can review the Open Meeting schedule on the WUTC’s open meetings page.
• To learn more about the rulemakings process, visit the WUTC’s page about the rulemaking process.  
• Additionally, check the WUTC’s calendar for upcoming items to stay in the loop!

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