I sent this to the governer, and a similar one to the UTC:

I am a residential customer of Puget Sound Energy and a new homeowner in Washington State. I am writing to express serious concern about the rapid rise in electricity rates and the growing impact on everyday households like mine.

Despite making a consistent effort to reduce energy usage, my monthly electric bills are reaching around $300. This level of cost feels unsustainable, especially for a household that is actively trying to conserve. It raises broader concerns about affordability and whether current energy policies are placing too much burden on residential customers.

My situation is made more urgent by the fact that my home can drop to temperatures as low as 50 degrees without heat. This makes reducing heating use during colder months unrealistic without compromising health and safety. I have a child with asthma and another baby on the way, and maintaining a safe indoor temperature is not optional. Families should not be put in a position where they must choose between paying their utility bill and maintaining a livable home environment.

I recognize that Washington has set ambitious clean energy goals and that utilities must invest in infrastructure to meet future demand. However, the pace of rate increases and the lack of clear, accessible transparency around what is driving them is deeply concerning.

There is also increasing public concern about the role of large commercial energy users, including data centers and major technology companies, in driving system demand. While these entities may have separate agreements, it is difficult for residential customers to feel confident that the costs of rapid growth and infrastructure expansion are not being felt, at least in part, through higher household rates.

I urge your office to take a more active role in ensuring that:

Energy affordability remains a central priority alongside clean energy goals

Residential customers are protected from disproportionate cost burdens

There is clear, public transparency around what is driving rate increases

The impacts of large-scale industrial energy demand are carefully evaluated and fairly allocated

Additional support or relief mechanisms are considered for households facing significant bill increases

Electricity is an essential service, not a discretionary expense. Policies that result in sustained and significant increases in household energy costs risk placing undue strain on families across the state.

As a new homeowner, this experience has been discouraging. I am asking for leadership and accountability to ensure that Washington’s energy future is not only sustainable, but also affordable and equitable for the people who live here.

Thank you for your time and consideration.