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A Note from Your
People's Counsel
Sandra Mattavous-Frye
Closing Out 2025 Strong, Committed to Continue Aggressive Advocacy in 2026
As we close out 2025 and look to the New Year, I note that utility rates are climbing, the regulatory and political climate is increasingly unfriendly to the everyday consumer, assistance programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and energy efficiency incentives have been severely cut back or eliminated by federal action. Nonetheless, OPC continues to press forward, doubling down in our advocacy to deliver benefits to DC consumers. Following are some highlights of our work in 2025.
OPC released a groundbreaking Energy Affordability Study Backed by data, the analysis details severe energy burdens shouldered by DC residents and calls for the Public Service Commission to review best practices from regulators across the nation to help close the income gap. Learn more in this video highlighting the study's findings.
Another key study OPC commissioned revealed the need to reform the electricity wholesale market which has contributed to significantly higher utility bills. The study addresses problems with the practices of PJM, which coordinates the sale and movement of wholesale electricity from generators to Pepco and other electric companies in the Northeast.
OPC also filed an appeal of the Commission's decision allowing Pepco to implement a multiyear rate plan that will permit the utility to raise rates over two years without an analysis and evidence of the need. Click here for background.
In September, we hosted a first of its kind Water Summit: "Your Water, Your Power," at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library. The forum brought together almost 700 consumers, utility companies, public officials, environmental leaders, and community stakeholders. The goal was to empower residents with knowledge about water affordability, conservation, and protection. Here's a replay.
Finally, in 2025, the agency published "Currents of Change: OPC's Journey to Protect Utility Consumers," our history book chronicling the past 50 years of OPC's advocacy, education, and protection. Request a copy at info@opc-dc.gov.
We are determined to deliver decades more of impactful service to DC consumers as a premier state utility advocate.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
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OPC Brings Energy Justice Education to Anacostia High School
OPC was pleased to launch an "Adopt-a-School" energy and utility education program at Anacostia High School in Ward 8 on December 4. The program aims to empower students to become informed advocates for their community and their environment.
Through a series of interactive workshops, OPC staff will introduce the youth to topics such as energy justice, utility regulation, solar energy, and climate.
In the first session, students participated in a “Generation Simulation.” OPC staff, including People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye seen in the photo, guided the students in a role-playing exercise where they stepped into the shoes of individuals struggling to make ends meet on a pretend college campus, all while learning about energy justice. Students “experienced” how power blackouts, high utility bills, and Wi-Fi outages affect people differently, and why access to energy isn’t always fair. Check out an article here on the simulation.
We thank the administrators and teachers at Anacostia High School for opening their doors to OPC to help build environmentally conscious young people.
| Take the OPC Solar Survey! | |
The Office of People’s Counsel has put together a short survey to learn how well consumers are aware of the options and services available for solar energy in the District. Your feedback will help OPC understand where we can focus our efforts to share information with residents who may be interested in solar power. The survey only takes a few minutes, and by adding your voice, you’ll be helping us ensure consumers citywide have the information they need to make the best choices for themselves and their families.
Find the Solar Survey at opc-dc.gov or scan the QR code. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on solar in DC.
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OPC Fights for Reversal of Excessive Washington Gas Rate Hike
On December 22, OPC submitted an application with the DC Public Service Commission, requesting the PSC reconsider and reverse key portions of its order that granted Washington Gas a $33.4 million rate increase. The basis for the request is that the Commission’s decision is unsupported by substantial evidence, ignores record evidence and precedent, and deprives OPC of due process.
For background on the rate increase, as well as the gas company's disputed pipeline replacement program, see the article here.
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Turn Up the Knowledge
Roll the Videotape!
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OPC has launched a series of educational videos to help you learn more about why OPC is taking action on certain utility matters, including rate increases, affordability, and climate issues. Our goal is to improve your experience as a utility consumer and show how you can get involved in advocating for the services you need and deserve. You can view several videos on the OPC YouTube channel.
Click the links below to get started and stay tuned for more features in upcoming OPC Connections and on our social media pages.
Climate Policy in DC - How do federal government cuts impact the District's climate laws?
The DC Water “CRIAC” Fee - What are you paying for?
About Utility Advocacy- How OPC attorneys work for you.
The OPC Water Summit - A conversation with participants.
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The Water Connection
Prepare Your Pipes for Extreme Temperatures
As freezing temperatures are chilling us, OPC's Water Services Division reminds households about possible negative effects of cold weather.
Proactively protecting your home during the winter season is important. We urge you to take steps to prevent water from freezing pipes and plumbing.
Water mains are more susceptible to breaking, and pipes to freezing in extreme cold temperatures over prolonged periods of time. When stagnant water gets trapped, pipes freeze, expand, and burst.
Keeping your pipes warm can significantly reduce water usage and your water bill.
Here are a few tips:
- Close outdoor faucet valves
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and leave outdoor faucets open to allow any excess water to drip out
- Let cold water drip from indoor faucets connected to exposed pipes
For more weatherization information see DC Water and the Department of Energy web pages.
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Employee Spotlight: Getahun Seyoum
Behind the Data:
Meet OPC’s New Analytical Bridge Builder
Four months into his role at OPC, our newest team member is already making an impact behind the scenes by strengthening the analytical foundation that supports both our Technical and Litigation Services Divisions. Getahun Seyoum verifies analytical processes, coordinates with internal and external stakeholders, and helps ensure that regulatory, economic, and engineering requirements are consistently met. Working closely with leadership, he also helps to establish procedures that align with agency goals and policies, ensuring they meet the needs of the consumers OPC serves.
A proud University of Maryland, College Park graduate (Go Terps!), Getahun earned dual degrees in Information Science and Family Science, an academic blend that reflects his multidisciplinary career path. Before joining OPC, he gained experience across federal, state, and local governments, serving as a data analyst in technology, a legislative aide in policy, and a school community developer in social services.
Getahun is an Ethiopian American who has spent his entire life in the DMV. He enjoys exploring the District with friends and family and attending community and cultural events. He shares a fun fact: he spent half of fourth grade wearing an eye patch, meaning he endured every pirate joke there is.
With a blend of analytical expertise, policy insight and community-focused experience, Getahun brings a well-rounded perspective to OPC’s work. We look forward to his continued contributions in support of OPC’s mission and the consumers we serve.
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OPC is Advocating for Consumers in the
Following Cases:
Formal Case No. 1185: OPC Petition for Investigation of Pepco’s Restoration of Electric Service.
On November 19, OPC filed a Motion to Amend the Granted Investigation of Outages to Encompass the Entire City. The initial investigation was for only Wards 3 & 4.
Department of Energy, 2025-18058 (90 FR 45032): Accelerating Speed to Power/Winning the Artificial Intelligence Race: Federal Action to Rapidly Expand Grid Capacity and Enable.
On November 21, OPC filed comments with the U.S. Department of Energy focusing on DC ratepayers.
Formal Case No. 1179: Investigation into Washington Gas Light Company’s Strategically Targeted Pipe Replacement Plan. On December 2, OPC filed a Report on Settlement Conference and Prehearing Filing. On December 8. OPC filed Cross-Examination Exhibits and Conformed Direct Testimony Exhibits for the Evidentiary Hearing.
RM9-2025-01-E, The Matter of 15 DCMR Chapter 9 – Net Energy. On December 8, OPC filed Comments on the November 7 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
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OPC In Your Neighborhood
OPC welcomes opportunities to speak at your Advisory Neighborhood Commission, civic association, community group activity, or meeting. We can give updates on utility issues, trends, and highlight how we serve DC consumers. Call (202) 727-3071 if your group would like our staff to make an in-person or virtual presentation. These are scheduled events and appearances. For virtual meetings, contact the organizer for sign-on information.
Veterans Affairs Community Resource Center
1500 Franklin Street NE
Thursday, January 8
10:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Jobs Have Priority Resource Fridays
810 Potomac Avenue SE
Friday, January 10
9:00 am- 2:00 pm
Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library
3935 Benning Road NE
Wednesday, January 14
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Capital Area Food Bank Silver Market
UPO Petey Green Community Service Center
2907 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE
Wednesday, January 21
10:30 am - 2:30 pm
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OPC's Claire Shibelski and CharQuia Barringtine at the table speak with an attendee at the U.S.VETS Workforce resource fair in Northwest.
| | It was all hands on deck as OPC staff provided information and giveaways to hundreds of guests at the Mayor's Annual Senior Holiday Celebration at the Southeast Tennis & Learning Center. | | Above, People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye and OPC staff gather on the steps of Anacostia High School after kicking off our adopt-a-school energy education program cited earlier in this OPC Connection. |
| And the winners are...OPC staff compete in the ugly sweater contest. Below, we wish all Happy Holidays! | | |
Connect With OPC!
Do you have feedback or an idea for an article that could be featured in an upcoming edition of the OPC Connection? We want to hear from you! Just drop our editorial team an email @ info@opc-dc.gov or X/tweet us @DCOPC.
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OPC Connection Editorial Team:
Doxie McCoy, Phillip Harmon, Quaneisha Glover,
Chawndise Battle, Dwayne Houston, Alya Solomon, Valca Valentine
Contributors:
Sandra Mattavous-Frye, Karen Sistrunk, Laurence Daniels,
Sheila Ruffin, CharQuia Barringtine, Dionne Johnson Calhoun,
Bryan Rhoades, Getahun Seyoum, Jason Starks, Marchim Williams
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The Office of the People's Counsel, 655 15th Street NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20005 | Tel: (202) 727-3071 | Fax: (202) 727-1014 | TTY-TTD: (202) 727-2876
www.opc-dc.gov | info@opc-dc.gov
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