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March 19, 2026
Washington, D.C. — The Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC) today announced that it has filed reply comments before the District of Columbia Public Service Commission (PSC) supporting OPC’s request to the Commission to reverse unlawful rates and require Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco) to issue credits to customers.
OPC’s reply responds to Pepco’s request that the Commission deny relief to consumers despite the D.C. Court of Appeals’ March 5 decision vacating the Commission’s multiyear rate order. OPC asserts that Pepco’s position is contrary to law and would allow the continued collection of unlawful rates from District residents and businesses.
“OPC’s reply makes clear that erasing illegal rates and issuing customer credits is not optional—it is required. Our reply is an appropriate solution to a big Commission problem. It is appropriate because it’s what the law requires. It’s a big problem because everyone—homeowners, small businesses, large businesses, the D.C. and federal governments— are paying illegal rates,” said People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye.
OPC’s filing emphasizes that once the Court vacated the Commission’s order, the rates approved under that order lost their legal foundation. "Continuing to charge those rates violates the Commission’s statutory duty to ensure that rates are just and reasonable. “The Commission delaying a decision to grant OPC’s motion only makes the problem worse. This decision needs to happen immediately,” added Mattavous-Frye.
OPC further explained that granting Pepco’s request would undermine public confidence in the regulatory process and shift the financial burden of unlawful rates onto District consumers. In contrast, reverting to the last lawful rate and issuing credits restores compliance with the law and protects the public interest.
“The Commission is now at a critical juncture,” Mattavous-Frye added. “It must act decisively to correct this error, uphold the law, and ensure that consumers are not forced to bear the cost of rates that have been deemed unlawful.”
OPC will continue to advocate for full accountability, transparency, and consumer protection as this matter proceeds before the Commission.
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