Complaints · US · Utilities (power, gas, water)
How to complain about a utility company (US)
Call your utility and then put the dispute in writing, asking for the account to be marked as disputed. If it isn't resolved, complain to your state public utility commission, which regulates investor-owned utilities in your state. Many commissions have a consumer complaint division. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) lists every state commission.
Complaint routes and time limits checked against official sources on .
First
Complain to the utility
in writing
Wait
See below
or a final response
Then
Your state public utility commiss…
free
Checked
27 Sep 2026
official sources
1. Complain to the utility first
Call the utility and then put the dispute in writing. Ask for your account to be marked as disputed. Include: account number and service address; the bills or charges you dispute; meter readings with dates; what you want: a corrected bill, a refund or service restored.
2. How long to wait
There is no national waiting period. Your state public utility commission sets the rules and will usually ask whether you contacted the utility first.
3. Escalate to Your state public utility commission
Set by each state. It is free. naruc.org/about-naruc/our-mission/regulatory-commissions
Who does not handle your complaint
Each state's public utility commission regulates investor-owned utilities there, and many have a consumer complaint division. NARUC keeps the list of commissions.
Where to escalate and the time limits
Time limits run from the date shown in each row. Keep the final response or deadlock letter, because the ombudsman will ask for it.
| Who | Time limit | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Your state public utility commission | Set by each state. | Free |
Evidence to keep
Bills for the disputed months. Dated meter photos. Notes of calls with confirmation numbers. Any disconnection notice.
Also worth knowing
City-owned utilities and co-ops may not be regulated by the state commission; check your state's rules.
Guides and definitions
- How to file a CFPB complaint, what happens next and does it work (Guide)
- Regulation E (Regulation E is the US federal rule that limits your liability for unauthorized debit card and electronic transfers to $50 or $500 if you report them in time.)
Complaints about something else
- Bank or credit card (US)
- Loans and credit reports (US)
- Phone, internet and cable (US)
- Airlines (US)
- Shopping and online retailers (US)
- Health insurance (US)
- Landlord or housing (US)
All complaint guides · Get your route with dates and a letter
Common questions
Who regulates my electric or gas company?
Your state public utility commission, sometimes called a public service commission. These commissions regulate gas and electric companies and, depending on the state, water, landline telecoms and other services. NARUC's list links to every one.
How do I file a complaint with the public utility commission?
Find your state commission on the NARUC list and use its consumer complaints page, phone line or form. Most will ask if you contacted the utility first, so do that and keep the confirmation number.
Is there a deadline to complain about a utility bill?
There is no national deadline; each state sets its own rules. Complain as soon as you spot the problem, ask the utility to mark the bill as disputed, and check your state commission's page for any time limit.
Does the state commission cover city-owned utilities and co-ops?
Not always. State commissions mainly regulate investor-owned utilities, and city-owned utilities or cooperatives may be overseen differently, depending on the state. Check your state commission's website to see which companies it covers.
What evidence helps a utility bill dispute?
Bills for the disputed months, dated meter photos, notes of calls with confirmation numbers, and any disconnection notice. Compare usage with the same month last year to show an unusual jump.
Sources and assumptions
- General routes from official sources; a scheme may ask for more before it takes your case.
Guidance on where to complain, not legal advice.