Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

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The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) is a regulatory agency in the state of Washington responsible for overseeing the rates and services of public utilities and transportation companies. The UTC ensures that these services are safe, reliable, and fairly priced for consumers.

History[edit | edit source]

The UTC was established in 1905 as the Washington Railroad Commission. Its initial purpose was to regulate the state's railroads. Over time, its responsibilities expanded to include other forms of transportation and public utilities. In 1961, the agency was renamed the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to reflect its broader scope.

Responsibilities[edit | edit source]

The UTC regulates a variety of services, including:

The commission ensures that these services are provided safely, reliably, and at reasonable rates. It also enforces state laws and regulations related to these industries.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The UTC is governed by three commissioners who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. The commissioners serve six-year terms. The commission is supported by a professional staff that includes engineers, economists, accountants, and legal experts.

Key Functions[edit | edit source]

  • **Rate Setting**: The UTC reviews and approves rates charged by utilities and transportation companies to ensure they are fair and reasonable.
  • **Safety Oversight**: The commission enforces safety standards for utilities and transportation services to protect the public.
  • **Consumer Protection**: The UTC handles consumer complaints and disputes related to utility and transportation services.
  • **Policy Development**: The commission develops policies and regulations to address emerging issues in the utility and transportation sectors.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

Template:Government agencies of Washington (state)

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD