State regulators have fined Puget Sound Energy $104,300 for improperly handling customer accounts, including those of many low-income customers, who were disconnected for nonpayment.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission assessed the penalty on Tuesday for 1,043 violations of state consumer protection rules, 965 of which were related to the disconnected accounts.

The utility must respond within 15 days by either paying the penalty, requesting a hearing to challenge the violations, or asking for a reduction of the penalty.

Bellevue-based Puget Sound Energy provides natural gas services in Snohomish County and electricity and natural gas in other parts of the Puget Sound area.