Consumer Assistance

The KCC regulates public utilities, common carriers, motor carriers, and oil and gas producers. Public utilities include local telephone, natural gas, and investor owned electric service providers. We don't regulate your cell-phone, internet service, most municipal utilities or electric and natural gas cooperatives.

Contact Consumer Assistance

Email:
Toll free: 1.800.662.0027; 785.271.3140; Fax: 1.785.271.3111
TDD Kansas Relay Center 1.800.766.3777
Mail: KCC-Consumer Protection, 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS. 66604-4027

Complaints

File a Utility Complaint
Solving a problem with your utility service- electric, natural gas or local telephone- can be time consuming and frustrating. Our consumer protection staff may be able to assist in resolving your problem.

File a Motor Carrier Complaint
Our Transportation Division can help with concerns regarding your KCC Operating Authority, Safety Compliance Program, Private and For-Hire Motor Carriers.

File an Oil and Gas Conservation Complaint
Questions or complaints concerning gas gathering services and underground porosity gas storage are best answered by staff in our district offices.

Public Hearings and Open Comment Periods

Public hearings provide an opportunity for you to learn more about a utility company's proposal to change its services, rates or practices as well as provide feedback to the KCC about their proposal. Scheduled Public Hearings and Open Comment Periods

Utility Assistance Programs

Cold Weather Rule / La Regla del Tiempo de Frío
The KCC requires utilities under its jurisdiction to offer special payment plans from November 1 through March 31 to help ensure that families have heat and gas during the coldest months of the year.

Lifeline (Low Income Assistance for Telephone Service)
Find out if you are eligible to receive up to $17.02 off your monthly local telephone bill through the Kansas Lifeline Program.

Housing & Energy Related Assistance Programs
Check our state-wide resource guide for organizations in your area offering financial assistance to help you pay your utility bill or upgrade your home to be more energy efficient.

Billing and Payment

Electric, Natural Gas & Water
Electric, natural gas and water companies regulated by the KCC are required to follow standard guidelines (KCC Electric, Natural Gas and Water Billing Standards, January 20, 2012) for such things as what information should be on your bill, when a company can disconnect your service, or when a deposit is required.

We encourage you to use company web resources to assist you in understanding your company's bill. Several of the companies provide a sample bill for your reference.

Kansas has consumer protections in place to ensure that you have a variety of ways to pay your monthly utility bill. Many companies now offer payment by electronic check or credit/debit card. It's important to know which services are free and which cost extra.

If you believe your company is not following the standard guidelines, please contact our consumer protection office for further assistance.

Telecommunications (Land lines and Long-distance)
Looking at your phone bill carefully - and understanding what it says - will help you use phone services wisely and avoid fraud. Check out the National Consumers League easy to read "Understanding your Phone Bill."

You can also find out more about your rights as a consumer under the KCC's Kansas Telephone Billing Practices. If you are unsure about whether your company must follow these guidelines, please contact our consumer protection office for further assistance.

Resources /Other Publications

Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB)

How to make an Open Records Request

Kansas One Call – Dig Safe for Homeowners: Call 811 before planting a tree or shrub to get your underground utility lines marked for free and help prevent undesired consequences.

Utility Customer Deposit - Annual Interest Rates

KCC Fiscal Years 2006 & 2011 Statistical Complaint Data Comparison