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A Note from Your
People's Counsel
Sandra Mattavous-Frye
A Powerful Gathering and Path Forward
Since its founding decades ago, OPC has fought for affordable, safe, and reliable electric, natural gas, and telecommunications services for DC consumers. But in 2019, following public alarm about high water rates, the DC Council passed a new law that added water services to OPC’s responsibilities. I immediately created the OPC Water Services Division and vowed to ensure that DC Water consumers gained a strong voice and rigorous representation. I am proud that the division has successfully represented thousands of water consumers with complaints, to date.
On September 29, water representation moved to another level as OPC hosted the first citywide “Community Water Summit: Your Water, Your Power.”
More than 600 people came to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library to empower themselves with knowledge about water affordability, conservation, and protection. The summit united residents, advocates, and policymakers around shared goals: securing equitable, sustainable access to water for all. The day-long event featured dynamic speakers, workshops and demonstrations.
Dr. Sacoby Wilson, Professor and Director of The Health, Environmental, and Economic Justice Lab at the University of Maryland, gave a powerful keynote. Among other advice, he urged attendees to comment on the DC Comprehensive Plan now being updated.
"You should all be in those meetings. The 'DC 2050' plan offers an important opportunity for residents to have an impact on infrastructure in your neighborhoods to address issues like water shutoffs, sewer overflows, flooding, lack of trees...All that should be baked into the comprehensive plan with a justice and equity approach so the areas with the most need are heard," said Dr. Wilson.
OPC presented DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson with an award for his support of our advocacy of water consumers (photo below). Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen and Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White also brought greetings. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between the government and stakeholders.
Feedback from attendees was positive.
"I am really glad I came. I loved the connection between water and the other three utilities. I learned about programs from each utility that I never knew about because I sometimes do not take the time to read my bills," said Beverly Lewis-Koch of Ward 4.
"The summit was very educational. OPC is a strong advocate for the people because we need the protection," said Jewell Miles McCoy of Ward 7.
We hope consumers take what they learned from the summit, and share it with neighbors, clients, coworkers, and congregations; and use the information to enhance their ability to make informed decisions and positive lifestyle changes.
I would like to thank all participants, government agencies, nonprofits, community leaders, climate and environmental advocates, utility representatives, and best of all, consumers, for joining us. Together, we all can turn conversations into action and lasting positive change.
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