Utility Bills

Dispute overcharges on electricity, gas, water, and waste utility bills across all US states. Free complaint letter templates and Public Utilities Commission listings.

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What is a utility bill dispute?

A utility bill dispute is a formal complaint about an incorrect, excessive, or unexplained charge on your electricity, gas, water, or waste services bill. In the US, Public Utilities Commissions (PUCs) in each state regulate utility companies and provide a formal dispute resolution process.

Common utility billing disputes

Estimated meter readings
bills based on estimates rather than actual usage
Billing errors
incorrect rates, duplicate charges, wrong account billed
Unexplained usage spikes
sudden increases with no clear cause
Unauthorized services
charges for services not requested
Disconnection disputes
improper or illegal service termination
Deposit disputes
excessive security deposits
Consumer protections

Most states prohibit utility shutoffs during extreme weather, for certain vulnerable customers, or without proper notice. Your state PUC can order service restoration if a shutoff was improper.

Steps to dispute a utility bill

  1. 1
    Contact your utility company’s customer service first
  2. 2
    Request a billing review and meter test if needed
  3. 3
    File a formal written complaint with the utility company
  4. 4
    If unresolved, escalate to your state Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
  5. 5
    Keep all records: bills, correspondence, and meter readings

Utility Bills in Indiana

Facing high charges, billing errors, or service issues from your Indiana utility provider can be frustrating. As a consumer, you are protected by state laws designed to ensure fair treatment and accurate billing. Understanding your rights is the first step to challenging unfair charges and securing the services you are entitled to. This guide will help you navigate the process of disputing a utility bill in Indiana.

Indiana's utility services are primarily governed by Indiana Code Title 8 (IC 8), which regulates public utilities. A significant recent development is House Bill 1002 (HB1002), effective in early 2026, which aims to stabilize utility costs and provide summer shut-off protections for low-income customers. This new law also mandates assistance programs. Additionally, the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act (IC 24-5-0.5-3) offers broader consumer protection against deceptive practices. Specific provisions like IC 8-1-2-1.2 address landlord-tenant utility charges.

The primary state agency overseeing utilities in Indiana is the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), reachable at (317) 232-2701. For consumer advocacy, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) is a key resource at (888) 441-2494. You can file complaints via the IURC’s website (in.gov/iurc) or the OUCC’s website (in.gov/oucc). The Office of the Indiana Attorney General at (317) 232-6330 also handles general consumer protection concerns.

To dispute a utility bill, first gather all relevant documents, including past bills and communications. Attempt to resolve the issue directly with your provider. If that fails, file a formal complaint with the IURC or OUCC. Finally, use the petition generator above to create a formal complaint letter in under two minutes. Most disputes in Indiana are resolved within 30 to 90 days, depending on the complexity of the case and the agencies involved.

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