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A Note from Your
People's Counsel
Sandra Mattavous-Frye
OPC is Committed to Making Utilities Stand by Their Commitments
Mergers between utility companies are usually complicated, debated over long periods, and hard-fought as all parties are determined to get the best outcome for their clients. As DC consumers are OPC’s clients, our attorneys are always intent on winning tangible benefits for the public and the District’s environmental sustainability. When mergers are a done deal, however, it doesn’t mean OPC’s work is done.
For example, since the merger of AltaGas and Washington Gas was settled in 2018, OPC has closely monitored whether AltaGas has abided by its commitments to advance the District’s clean energy goals. As AltaGas failed to uphold its obligation to develop renewable energy resources, OPC raised the company’s noncompliance with the merger agreement with the DC Public Service Commission. As a result of OPC’s advocacy, AltaGas must now pay a hefty fine to the District Government for its broken promises.
Hopefully, the outcome in this merger case will make utilities think twice before reneging on their promises to the public. Learn more about the recent decision in the gas company merger here.
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OPC Believes Consumers Must Be Included in Clean Energy Discussion
People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye welcomed the opportunity to be a panelist at the Public Service Commission’s Clean Energy Summit on October 30. The summit’s theme was: “Powering Tomorrow: Clean Energy for a Sustainable and Equitable Future.” The People’s Counsel’s panel was entitled: “What is the Future of Clean Energy in the District?”
In her comments, People’s Counsel Mattavous-Frye emphasized the importance of hearing from consumers of diverse opinions. In addition, she discussed OPC’s consistent, daily work in educating, empowering, and listening to consumers in making policies that affect the city’s energy future and DC communities. She also explained that OPC’s critical role is to ensure that pursuing a clean energy future aligns with the non-negotiable goals of maintaining affordable rates and providing reliable, resilient, and equitable services.
You can watch the Clean Energy Summit on the Public Service Commission's website. Fast forward to about 6:13:00 to see the People’s Counsel’s first comments.
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ICYMI: Recapping OPC's Youth Environmental Workshop
In case you missed it, on October 23 and 24 OPC was pleased to host DC high school students at a two-day "Youth Environmental Justice & Advocacy Workshop." The goal was to teach them how to engage with DC Government agencies and community partners to address justice-related utility issues and develop skills to effect change in their communities. Students from Jackson-Reed, Banneker, Coolidge, and the School Without Walls participated in discussions about utility services, climate change, government operations, and media and community outreach tactics.
The workshop was part of the continuing efforts of People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye to develop the next generation of leaders, who can improve their environment, their communities, and the District citywide. OPC looks forward to expanding our youth education programs even further. Click here for a look at the workshop.
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The DC Council Connection
Solar Shade for a Cooler, Greener DC
Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen has introduced a bill to combat DC's rising temperatures and boost clean energy. The Solar Shade Expansion Amendment Act of 2024 aims to install solar canopies at various locations, including playgrounds, parks, and streets. The bill mandates the identification of 20 potential sites for solar canopy installations and allocates funding for their construction. It also encourages private entities to participate in solar shade projects through grants. These canopies will provide shade during hot summer months and generate clean energy.
According to the proposed legislation, by embracing this innovative solution, the District can become a more sustainable and livable city for all.
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The Solar Connection
OPC wants you to know about a community partner that's working with OPC to expand solar access, renewable energy, and energy efficiency in underserved DC communities.
The following article was contributed by Ayesha Hudson, Founder & CEO of A-Peace LLC (pictured).
A-Peace LLC believes it is setting a new standard for sustainable, affordable housing by blending energy efficiency with climate resilience in urban development. Founded on a mission to foster resilient and inclusive communities, A-Peace LLC has completed transformative projects across Washington, D.C., focusing on electrification, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability. Recent property improvements in Wards 7 and 8 include its first community solar project in the Deanwood neighborhood, along with featuring tankless water heaters, energy-efficient appliances, and an urban farm that yields fresh fruits and vegetables for the community. These sites are fully electric, showcasing the company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy costs for residents.
A-Peace’s hallmark initiative, the Stu-Ward Program, is set to launch at its newly developed 9-unit dwelling located a short walk from Anacostia Park. This project combines affordable housing with a pathway to homeownership by educating residents on sustainable community development while preparing them to own the homes they help build. This model, backed by partnerships with DC Green Bank, Capital Impact Partners, and Manna, aspires to drive broader change in housing in the District
A-Peace LLC’s involvement in the Urban Land Institute’s Pathways to Inclusion Committee and Enterprise Community Partners’ Climate Resiliency Academy demonstrates its commitment to equitable, resilient urban growth. Through these efforts, A-Peace LLC continues to impact affordable housing and sustainable development across the region.
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The Water Connection
How to Prevent and Thaw Frozen Pipes
The winter season is just around the corner. OPC's Water Services Division urges consumers to protect their home and wallet to avert costly damages. If you discover a pipe problem, remember to call DC Water Customer Services at (202) 354-3750 immediately about damages that could impact your property or water bill.
How to Protect Pipes from Freezing
Remove, drain, and store outdoor hoses. Close inside valves and open outdoor hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open to allow water remaining in the pipe to expand without causing a break.
Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
Check areas where water supply lines are unheated. Look in the garage and under the kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes should be insulated.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
If you plan to travel away from your home during cold weather, leave the heat at a temperature no lower than 55 degrees. Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing. When the temperature is at freezing level, let cold water drip from the faucets of exposed pipes to help prevent pipes from freezing.
How to Thaw Frozen Pipes
If water trickles from the faucet when turned on, there may be a frozen pipe. Frozen pipes are likely to occur against outside walls or wear water service enters the home through the foundation
Check all faucets. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze too.
As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt the ice.
Apply heat to frozen pipe areas by wrapping a heating pad or hot towels around pipes or use an electric hair dryer or a portable space heater, Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame devices.
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OPC is Advocating for Consumers in the
Following Cases:
Formal Case No. 1164: Inquiry into the Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic on District Utilities and Consumers
On October 18, OPC filed a motion for leave to file comments out-of-time and comments on the Washington Gas Light motion to extend and modify its arrearage management program, which assists consumers with gas bill payment plans.
Formal Case No. 1178: Petition for Investigation into Washington Gas Light’s System Leak Reduction Practices
On October 22, OPC filed a joint response with the Department of Energy & Environment to Order No. 22004, asking the PSC to schedule a technical conference as a part of the proceeding. An amended response providing best practices for the Commission's reconsideration was filed on October 30.
Formal Case No. 1179: Investigation into Washington Gas Light Company’s Strategically Targeted Pipe Replacement Plan
On October 6 and October 15, OPC filed motions to compel against Washington Gas for its objections to the information requested by OPC in three separate data requests. For each objection, OPC is asking the PSC to force Washington Gas to answer OPC's questions and provide documentation.
Formal Case No. 1167: Implementation of Utility Climate Business Plans
On October 12, OPC filed a motion for reconsideration of Order No. 22313, requesting the Commission integrate the review of Washington Gas and Pepco's climate business plans to more effectively support the District's carbon emissions reduction goals.
ET2023-02, Pepco’s Petition to approve a tariff change for 20kw and below residential NEM Solar Interconnections.
On October 12, OPC filed comments on the Power Flow Study.
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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, either onsite or virtually. We can give updates on utility issues, and trends, and highlight how we serve DC consumers. Call (202) 727-3071 if your group would like our staff to make an onsite or virtual presentation. Scheduled meetings are below. Contact the organization directly if you would like information on how to attend a virtual meeting.
ANC 8E Meeting
Monday, December 2
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Virtual
26th Annual Senior Holiday Celebration
DC Armory, 2001 East Capitol Street SE
Wednesday, December 11
10:00 am
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OPC's CharQuia Barringtine and Geoffrey D. Brooks with Jobs Have Priority at the organization's resource fair in Ward 8. | |
People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye on a panel at the Public Service Commission's Clean Energy Summit. | |
OPC staff at the PSC's Clean Energy Summit. | |
OPC's Chawndise Battle at the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. breast cancer event. | |
OPC staff at the Annual Meeting and Education Conference of the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates. | |
OPC managers at a strategic planning retreat. | |
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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, Valca Valentine
Contributors:
Sandra Mattavous-Frye, Karen Sistrunk, Laurence Daniels,
CharQuia Barringtine, Pamela Nelson, Bryan Rhoades
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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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