Filing a Formal Complaint with the CPUC

Before filing a formal complaint, please make sure you understand the following:

• The CPUC has an informal complaint process that helps customers with complaints against utility companies under the CPUC's jurisdiction. This informal complaint process is handled by the CPUC's Consumer Affairs Branch. Please visit the CAB webpage to learn more about the informal complaint process.

• If you find that the informal complaint process cannot help you or you wish to appeal the determination made at the end of the informal complaint process, then you may wish to file a formal complaint.

• It is important to note that the CPUC is not allowed by law to award damages for such things as personal injury, property damage, emotional distress, or loss of wages or profits. To request compensation for damages, the customer can utilize the utility company's process or can file a claim in a civil court.

Here are the instructions and forms you need to file a formal complaint. Please be sure to read all of the instructions as they provide information on the two types of formal complaints and how the formal complaint process works. Moreover, Article 4 of the CPUC's Rules of Practice and Procedure provides the guidelines for formal complaints.

Privacy Notice

Whether or not your Formal Complaint is filed in paper form or electronically, Formal Complaints filed with the CPUC become a public record and may be posted on the CPUC’s website. Therefore, any information you provide in the Formal Complaint, including, but not limited to, your name, address, city, state, zip code, telephone number, e-mail address, and the facts of your case may be available online for later public viewing.

If you need help understanding the formal complaint process, please contact CPUC’s Public Advisor's Office by:

E-mail: public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov
Telephone: 1-866-849-8390 (toll free) or 415-703-2074
Address:
Public Advisor's Office - CPUC
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102