When to File a PA PUC Complaint
- 💰 Billing disputes not corrected by the company
- 🚨 Unauthorized supplier enrollment or switching (slamming)
- ⚠️ Misleading marketing or sales practices
- ⚡ Service termination disagreements
- 💵 Deposit or payment arrangement issues
- 📋 Contract violations by competitive suppliers
- 🏢 Regulated utilities: PECO, PPL Electric, Duquesne Light
- 🏪 Licensed electric generation suppliers
Documentation Required for Filing
- 🔢 Account number and service address
- 📄 Bills showing disputed charges, incorrect rates, or unauthorized supplier changes
- 📞 Dates, times, and summaries of customer service contacts (include representative names)
- 📋 Copies of contracts, enrollment confirmations, and marketing materials
- 📧 Email correspondence and written communications
- ✅ Specific resolution you're seeking (billing correction, refund, contract cancellation)
Filing Online Through PA PUC
- Navigate to "File a Complaint" in the Consumer section
- Select "Informal Complaint" for most residential issues
- Complete the online form with contact information, utility/supplier name, account details
- Upload supporting documents as PDF attachments
- Describe your complaint clearly — include dates, amounts, and resolution attempts
- Submit and record your confirmation number
Filing by Phone
- 📋 Account information and bills
- 📝 Issue details and timeline
- 🏢 Company name involved
- ✅ Representative documents your complaint
- ✅ Asks clarifying questions
- ✅ Explains your rights under Pennsylvania law
- ✅ Provides a reference number for tracking
Filing by Mail
- 👤 Full legal name, service address, mailing address
- 📞 Daytime phone number and email (if available)
- 🏢 Utility or supplier name (full name)
- 📝 Detailed description with dates, amounts, and events
- 📄 Copies of supporting bills, contracts, correspondence (keep originals)
- ✅ Specific outcome you're requesting
- ✍️ Signature and date
The PA PUC Complaint Process
- 📨 PA PUC forwards your complaint to the company
- ⏱️ Company has 10-14 days to investigate and respond
- ⚖️ PA PUC reviews both sides and relevant regulations
- 📞 You receive PA PUC's findings and required corrective actions
- ✅ Simple disputes: PA PUC facilitates direct resolution
- 📋 Complex cases: Investigation and formal determination required
Escalating to Formal Complaints
- ⚖️ Legal proceedings with hearings before administrative law judges
- 👔 You can represent yourself OR hire an attorney
- 💵 Filing fee: $70.35 for most residential matters
- 📋 Evidence submission, testimony, and cross-examination
- 📜 Decisions are binding and appealable to Pennsylvania courts
Additional Resources for Pennsylvania Consumers
- 📞 Phone: 1-800-684-6560
- 👥 Represents residential consumer interests in utility proceedings
- 💡 Provides guidance on complaint options
- 🏢 Office of Small Business Advocate: Assists commercial customers
- ⚖️ Local legal aid organizations: Help low-income consumers with utility disputes
- 👴 AARP Pennsylvania: Resources for senior citizens facing utility problems
- 🏠 Community action agencies: Payment assistance and utility programs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a PA PUC complaint take to resolve?
Informal complaints typically resolve within 30-45 days, with simple issues sometimes resolving faster. Complex disputes requiring extensive investigation may take 60-90 days. Formal complaint proceedings can extend 6-12 months due to legal procedures. PA PUC provides status updates and estimated timelines throughout the process.
Is there a fee to file a PA PUC complaint?
Informal complaints are free to file with no cost to consumers. Formal complaints require a filing fee currently set at $70.35 for most residential matters. Fee waivers may be available for consumers demonstrating financial hardship. The vast majority of residential issues resolve through free informal complaints.
Can PA PUC help with electric generation supplier disputes?
Yes, PA PUC regulates both traditional utilities and licensed electric generation suppliers (EGS) operating in Pennsylvania. You can file complaints about supplier billing, marketing, contract terms, slamming, or service issues. PA PUC can order suppliers to issue refunds, cancel contracts, or take corrective action for violations.
What if my electricity is about to be shut off?
Contact PA PUC immediately at 1-800-692-7380 if facing imminent service termination. PA PUC can investigate whether proper procedures were followed. Pennsylvania has specific rules about termination notice requirements, medical protections, and winter shutoff restrictions. Emergency payment assistance programs may also help avoid disconnection.
Can I file a complaint for issues that happened months ago?
Yes, but file as soon as possible. While PA PUC has no strict statute of limitations for informal complaints, older issues become harder to investigate as records may be less available. Document everything promptly and file within 60-90 days of discovering problems when possible. Billing disputes have specific timeframes under PA PUC regulations.
About the author
Consumer Advocate
Enri has spent years helping Texans navigate the deregulated electricity market at ComparePower. He knows what confuses people about energy shopping and what actually helps them save. At ElectricRates.org, he brings that same expertise to Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.
Topics covered
Sources & References
- PA PUC - File a Complaint (Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission): "PA PUC provides official complaint filing processes for utility and supplier disputes"Accessed Jan 2025
- PA Office of Consumer Advocate (Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate): "Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate provides free advocacy for residential consumers"Accessed Jan 2025
Last updated: December 10, 2025
