How to File a Utilities Refund

Who can help?

The Public Utilities Commission is a state level government agency that protects citizens with utilities concerns.

How do I file?

Step 1

Contact the utility provider and attempt a resolution. Request a refund for overcharges on utilities.

Collect information regarding their offer or denial using the APL Data Sheet to document the conversation.

If the service provider satisfies your claim, then notate the resolution and file the APL Data Sheet in case the issue arises again in the future.

If the provider does not issue a refund, then take the next step.

Step 2

Find your state’s Public Utilities Commission and file a concern about your utility company.

Include documentation of overcharges and your notes about the utility providers refusal to refund the disputed fees.

Mail the information you collected on the APL Data Sheet. Include copies of available bills, statements, and service agreements.

Step 3

Continue to pay your bill until the dispute is resolved. Utility refunds take time and final resolution occurs by the state government.

However, if the Public Utilities Commission in your state cannot resolve your concern, then notate their response and take the next step.

Step 4

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Although the FTC cannot process individual disputes, your refund request may provoke the federal government to help everyone affected by your concerns.

Download Utility Data Sheet:

PDF Version

Fillable Word Version

What does the Public Utilities Commission do?

Regulates public utilities. Monitors fairness in billing rates.
Reviews consumer utility refund requests. Seeks resolution from providers.
Ensures safe electrical distribution.
Sets and enforces water quality standards.
Ensures safe cable and pipeline delivery into homes.
Monitors best practices for refuse disposal.
Investigates and certifies providers.
Ensures proper communication and accountability from providers to clients.
Studies environmental impact of utilities infrastructure.

Conclusion

The cost of energy generation has risen in recent years due to aging utilities infrastructure struggling to supply power efficiently to the increasing population.

Most utility complaints revolve around unfair costs — the frustration of paying what the energy monopoly dictates.

This has led many cities to rethink their methods of energy production, experimenting with renewable resources like wind turbines and implementing solar incentives.