The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission apologized after someone repeatedly joined a virtual public comment hearing last week and spewed racist slurs and other offensive remarks at hundreds of participants.
The meeting was disrupted Wednesday by “a bad actor's racist and highly offensive remarks,” according to a statement from the commission. The agency wrote it “missed the mark” in moderating the discussion and intends to “do better in future events.”
The troll joined as other commenters were speaking and repeatedly told them to, “Shut the (expletive) up, (expletive), along with racist language.
Since residents across Western Washington began seeing record-high electricity bills last winter, thousands have spoken out against Puget Sound Energy’s rate hikes, including at the public meeting. In two years, PSE’s electricity prices increased 45%, with further increases proposed that would take effect in early 2027, if approved by the UTC.
Since the pandemic, “Zoom bombings,” where trolls join virtual meetings to harass participants, have become a common nuisance. The incidents often target marginalized communities with racist and extreme language.
Future meetings of the Utilities and Transportation Commission will be moderated to prevent this type of attack, and participants will not be able to unmute themselves, said Amy Reynolds, a spokesperson for the agency.
The feedback period on the Puget Sound Energy rates continues through Nov. 12.
The commission is accepting comments online, via email at comments@utc.wa.gov, by phone at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882), or by mail at PO Box 47250; Olympia, WA; 98504.
Those who leave a comment should include the docket number, UE-260005.
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