Public Awareness: Consumer Information
Helping Consumers
The North Dakota Public Service Commission staff receives hundreds of phone calls, letters and e-mails each year from consumers across the state seeking information or help resolving disputes with utility companies. Consumer contacts range from requests for information about applying for a telephone assistance plan, to help resolving billing disputes. In many cases, PSC staff has been able to delay utilities from disconnecting electricity, gas and telephone service while the customers make payment arrangements. We strongly encourage customers to contact their utility companies before contacting us, but we are there to help when customers need more assistance.
Educating Consumers
Understanding utility bills and why companies charge what they do can be confusing and overwhelming. That's why the PSC wants to educate consumers. There are several "You Should Know" brochures available on our Website. Information available on the consumer section of the website includes disconnect rules (223 kb pdf), information to help consumers understand their gas bills (58 kb pdf),information about telephone assistance programs, information about telephone slamming (67 kb pdf) and more.
PSC staff is on call to help you resolve disputes with utility companies. Staff can also provide information about assistance programs and inform you of your rights when a company wants to disconnect your service.
Consumers who have general inquiries about the PSC or have complaints about utilities can call the Commission at 701-328-2400. For additional information on filing complaints with the PSC, see informal (203 kb pdf) and formal (214 kb pdf) complaints.