(1) Each water company must submit a draft customer notice to the commission for review at least one week before the company's planned printing date for distribution.

(2) At a minimum, the water company must notify:

(a) Customers and potential customers who may be affected by the water company's proposal; and

(b) The public affairs section of the commission.

(3) Customers must receive notice thirty days before the requested effective date when a water company proposes to:

(a) Increase rates;

(b) Change terms and/or conditions of an existing service;

(c) Change the ownership or control of the operating company (see WAC 480-143-210 (Transfer customer notice requirements) for content of notice);

(d) Institute a charge for a service that was formerly provided without charge; or

(e) Eliminate or grandfather any service.

(4) Content of notice for rate change - The notice to customers must contain, at a minimum, the following:

(a) Date

(b) (Insert water company name) has filed for approval from the Washington utilities and transportation commission to increase rates (insert total annual revenue). If approved, the rates will be effective on (insert effective date).

(c) (Clearly explain the reason for the proposal - be specific.)

(d) If you have questions about the proposed filing and how it will affect you, please call (insert company name & office phone number). If you have questions about the rate making process, you may contact the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission at the following address: WUTC, 1300 S. Evergreen Park Drive S.W., P.O. Box 47250, Olympia, WA 98504-7250; 1-800-562-6150 (toll-free) or by email comments@wutc.wa.gov.

(e) If you would like to comment on this proposal, it is important for you to do so now. Comments must be submitted in writing or presented at the commission's open meeting to be included as part of the formal record. The commission is interested in receiving your views regarding this proposal whether in favor or not. All open meetings are held in Olympia, WA. If you would like to be added to the commission's mailing list to be notified of the open meeting date, please call 1-800-562-6150 and leave your name, complete mailing address, the water company's name, and a description of the proposal you are interested in.

Sincerely,

(Company Name/Representative)

(5) Notice after commission action is permitted only when the commission approves an increase in federal, state, county or city-imposed taxes, fees or surcharges, and when credits are issued.

(a) At a minimum, notice after commission action must include the effective date, a clear description of changes to rates or services resulting from the commission's decision, and a company contact number where customers may seek additional information.

(b) Any notice after commission action may be accomplished by a bill message, bill insert, printed in a company newsletter, or mailed separately to customers.

(c) The commission may require other notification to the public as it determines necessary.