Formal Complaints

If you do not want to enter into a legal proceeding with a formal complaint, another option is to submit an informal complaint. This involves filling out a simple online form and the issue is typically resolved in just 3 to 5 business days.

Go to Informal Complaint Form

Register an objection or comment to a proposed rate increase by your utility company and it will be placed in the official document folder of the case. It will be reviewed by the presiding officer, the parties to the case and PUC staff. A public input hearing may also be scheduled in your area to give consumers an opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposed rate increase.

Download Comment Form

File a formal complaint against a utility company's proposed rate increase to become a party to a legal proceeding or case. (If you do not wish to be a party to the case, consider filing a Comment to Proposed Rate Increase instead. See above.) This form was revised in January 2024. Previous versions will no longer be accepted as of January 31, 2024.

Download Complaint Form - Word

Download Complaint Form - PDF

There is a specific process to file a protest to object to the approval of an application filed with the PUC. This include applications for high voltage transmission lines.

The procedure to file an official Protest to an Application can be found at 52 Pa. Code, Sections 5.51, 5.52, and 5.53. The person filing the Protest is called the Protestant and must meet the criteria stated in these regulations to file a Protest.

Section 5.51(a) states that a person objecting to the approval of an Application filed with the Commission may file a Protest.

Section 5.52 (a)(1)(2)(3)(c) sets forth the content that must be included in the Protest, such as:

• (a)(1) what is the alleged right or interest of the person filing the Protest;
• (a)(2) state the grounds for the Protest;
• (a)(3) Set forth facts that the Protestant has standing to file the Protest (this means the Protestant must state facts showing he/she is affected by the Application);
• (c) the Protestant must file the Protest with the Secretary of the Commission, and serve (mail a copy by first class mail) of the Protest to the Applicant.

Two items should accompany the Protest when it is filed with the Secretary:

• A “Verification” sworn by the Protestant swearing that the facts presented are true and correct (an example of a Verification can be found at 52 Pa. Code Section 1.36(b)).
• A Certificate of Service must also be filed with the Protest telling the Secretary a copy was mailed to the Applicant (example can be found at 52 Pa. Code Section 1.58(a)).

Section 5.53 sets the time period for filing a Protest to the Application. Protests filed after the deadline of the filing period will not be accepted by the Commission. A Notice will be published in the PA Bulletin setting the filing period for Protests, explaining the Application, and the addresses of the Secretary of the Commission and the Applicant.

File a formal complaint against a utility company for any issues other than proposed rate increases. This may include billing issues, service quality or increases to variable rate increases. 

A formal complaint against a utility company may result in a hearing before a PUC Administrative Law Judge. The formal complaint process is different from filing an informal complaint because the formal process involves a legal proceeding in which you have the burden to prove your complaint has merit.   The presiding Judge assigned to hear your complaint will hold a hearing to gather evidence and then make an Initial Decision.  The Commission offers online a Consumer Guide that will help you understand the formal complaint process.

Please use this newly revised Formal Complaint Form as of 09/28/23. The prior application version will only be accepted until 10/10/23.

If you have questions, please call the Secretary’s Bureau at 717-772-7777. You can also request a Formal Complaint Form be mailed to you by calling the Secretary’s Bureau.

You can create an eFiling account to electronically file your Formal Complaint Form.  Additional information can be found in the Consumer Complaint Procedures Guide.

Download Printable Formal Complaint Form

Download Fillable Formal Complaint Form
For best results, use Adobe Acrobat Reader to complete the fillable form, it can be downloaded for free.