Disputing a Bill
You can dispute a bill by contacting us through any of the following channels:
- Use our online form.
- By phone: Call an SPU customer service representative at (206) 684-3000.
- In person: Visit the Customer Service Center in the lobby of the Seattle Municipal Tower (formerly Key Tower), 700 5th Avenue, in Downtown Seattle.
- By mail:
Seattle Public Utilities
Attention: Customer Response Division
PO Box 34027
Seattle, WA 98124-4027
When initiating a dispute, please ensure that you:
- Explain what and how much is being disputed.
- State why you are disputing a charge or decision.
- Describe what action or relief you are requesting.
Be sure to pay any disputed charges at the time the dispute is initiated.
Standard processing time for initiating and resolving a dispute is 20 business days upon receipt of a dispute. SPU will inform the customer throughout the process if the timeframe needs an extension, particularly for more complex disputes.
Dispute Process
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has a dispute escalation process that generally consists of the following steps:
- Utility Staff review
- Supervisor/Lead review
- Hearing Officer review
Customers may request an independent interpreter through SPU's services for interpretation, teleprinters/teletypewriters (TTY), or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD in cases where there is a language, speech, or hearing barrier.
Customers may request an independent interpreter through SPU's services for interpretation, teleprinters/teletypewriters (TTY), or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD in cases where there is a language, speech, or hearing barrier.
Read more about our dispute policy CS-390 Dispute Escalation for Retail Customers, in the Utility Accounts section of the Policies page.
Note: If you are disputing a bill reflecting exceptionally high water usage, please review SPU's Leak Adjustment webpage and CS-325 Leak Adjustment for Retail Customers in the Utility Accounts section of the Policies page.