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A Note from Your
People's Counsel
Sandra Mattavous-Frye
The Powerful
Voice of the People
Over the years, you’ve heard me repeatedly hammer home the point that DC consumers must have a seat at the table in all matters related to their utilities. And while OPC’s statutory role mandates that we serve as the voice of the people, our agency strongly encourages consumers to take advantage of opportunities to be heard. As this is the time when the DC Council holds performance oversight hearings, resident voices are particularly critical to Council assessments of agency work over the past fiscal year.
So, it’s welcome news when about 100 people sign up to testify at an oversight hearing. Such was the scene on February 27 as the Committee on Transportation and the Environment reviewed the performance of the Office of the People’s Counsel, the DC Public Service Commission.
What drove so many to come out to say their piece? At the top of the list was the unprecedented increase in utility rates. Households have been hit hard with higher rates resulting from multiple factors, including extreme cold, spikes in wholesale electricity costs, and the approval of huge rate hikes—which would be even higher without OPC’s aggressive fight for fair and reasonable rates.
OPC appreciates the boots on the ground work of grassroots groups that share our sentiment that consumers must be heard and encourage citizen engagement.
Rest assured, OPC was listening. And we hope you will be listening when, as People’s Counsel, I testify before the Council on Thursday, March 5, and OPC’s performance oversight hearing wraps up.
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The Water Connection
Is My Drinking Water Safe? What District Residents Should Know
When news broke about a sewage spill in the Potomac River caused by a damaged interceptor line managed by DC Water, many residents understandably asked: Is my tap water safe?
DC Water has stated that the District’s drinking water remains safe. No boil water advisory has been issued. The city’s water intake is located upstream of the affected area, and drinking water undergoes multiple treatment steps, including filtration and disinfection. Additionally, there is continuous monitoring to meet federal standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
While bacteria levels in parts of the river may exceed safe recreational limits, it is important to distinguish between wastewater infrastructure and the drinking water system. Treated tap water must meet strict safety requirements before it reaches homes and businesses.
DC Water has installed a temporary bypass system while crews work to repair the damaged pipe and contain impacts to the river.
For added peace of mind, residents may request a free lead testing kit from DC Water: Water Quality Request Form or explore water quality resources through the District Department of Energy and Environment: Water Quality | doee.
Residents should avoid contact with river water until public health advisories are lifted and be on the lookout for official updates. OPC is closely monitoring this situation and advocating for transparency and accountability on behalf of DC Water customers.
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OPC Radio Connect is on the Air
Two new OPC Radio Connect Podcasts are hitting the air on DC Radio!
On Monday, March 2, People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye talks with longtime community advocates Attorney William “Bill” Lightfoot, Absalom Jordan and Dennis Chestnut about the history of OPC and our newly released history book.
Starting on Saturday, March 7, utility affordability is the topic on the table as the People’s Counsel is joined by OPC Litigation Director Laurence Daniels, Attorney Kinteshia Scott and the United Planning Organization’s Shirley Price. They break down the challenges facing consumers as bills are hitting new highs. Learn what to look out for and what to do to maintain service.
Both shows are scheduled to air weekdays at 2:00 pm. To listen, click the LISTEN LIVE tab at the top of the DC Radio programming page. You can also hear OPC Radio Connect on 96.3 HD 4.
Previous segments are available on demand wherever you find your favorite podcasts and on the video page on opc-dc.gov.
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OPC Addressing Power Surges Citywide
As previously reported in the OPC Connection, multiple consumers in Wards 3 and 4 complained to OPC about significant damage to their household appliances resulting from power surges that occurred when electricity was restored following an outage in August 2025.
To help seek relief for the affected residents, OPC filed a petition with the DC Public Service Commission, calling for an investigation of Pepco's outage and restoration practices. In October, the Commission agreed to open an investigation.
Later, OPC learned consumers in Wards 2 and 6 also experienced damages. In another victory OPC secured for consumers, on February 18, the PSC issued an order granting OPC’s petition to expand the investigation to all areas of the city. The Commission will review whether Pepco’s broader management and power restoration practices meet the Commission’s reliability standards and determine if there is a systemic problem that demands an immediate fix.
OPC encourages consumers who experienced damage to submit comments or a complaint to the Commission via Formal Case 1185, Order No. 22793.
Also, join a virtual community meeting OPC will host on Tuesday, March 3, from 7:30 - 8:30 pm to hear from consumers. The feedback will help OPC shape its comments to the Commission due on March 20. If you are interested in attending the virtual meeting, send an email to acarlesco@opc-dc.gov.
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The DC Council Connection
New Bill Aims to Cut Costs and Speed Up Solar for Homeowners
As electric bills continue to rise across the District, OPC applauds DC lawmakers who are pushing for changes that could make home solar deployment easier, faster, and more affordable.
A key part of making residential solar work is the ability for households to connect their systems to Pepco’s electrical grid—a required process known as interconnection. However, this is exactly where many residents have been running into problems.
OPC has received numerous consumer complaints about delays, unexpected upgrade costs, and technical hurdles during the interconnection process. On average, Pepco took 77 days last year to approve small residential systems--far longer than the 24-hour to 30-day turnaround recorded in many states.
The GRID Act: A Fix for Interconnection Delays
To address these problems, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen and six colleagues have introduced the "Guiding Renewable Interconnection and Distribution (GRID) Act." OPC helped to draft the bill language. If adopted, it would:
- Require the Commission to create a clear and fair cost- sharing system for upgrades Pepco says are necessary
- Streamline solar interconnection rules
- Allow residents to use plugin “balcony solar” systems, expanding options for renters and condo owners
- Add transparency to a process many residents say is confusing or costly.
OPC believes consumers in all eight wards should have access to energy options that may lower their utility bills and all steps taken to make their path to solar easier are welcome.
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Utility Reform Legislation Introduced
The "Utility Rates and Ratemaking Amendment Act of 2026 ," introduced by At-Large Councilmember Robert White and several other members, seeks to shift the balance of power from utility companies to consumers by imposing rigorous new standards on the DC Public Service Commission. The bill targets multiyear rate plans by requiring they be based on historic costs rather than speculation, mandates that excess profits be refunded to customers, and forces gas companies to prove that expensive infrastructure projects are more cost-effective than simpler repairs.
By requiring full transparency of financial models and a clear justification for rejected alternatives, the legislation aims to curb rising utility costs and ensure that any approved rate hikes provide a documented monetary benefit to DC consumers.
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Employee Spotlight:
Natacha Guedez
is Breaking Barriers and Building Connections
Since joining OPC in September 2025, Bilingual Outreach Specialist Natacha Guedez has already made a meaningful impact.
Natacha engages with residents in both English and Spanish, helping to ensure they understand their utility rights, are aware of energy services, and learn about available assistance programs. She works to remove language barriers so that every community member can access the information and resources they need with confidence.
Natacha came to OPC after other DC government service. Much of her career has focused on ensuring systems run smoothly behind the scenes while also working directly with residents to cut red tape. Natacha was born and raised in Venezuela, and says she brings a cultural perspective and sensitivity to her work.
Outside the office, she enjoys reading and exploring new places to eat or visit around the city. Natacha is also a big fan of psychological thrillers.
OPC looks forward to the continued impact Natacha will make in strengthening our connection to limited and non-English speaking communities.
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OPC is Advocating for Consumers in the
Following Cases:
Formal Case No. 1179: Investigation into Washington Gas Light Company’s Strategically Targeted Pipe Replacement Plan. On January 21, OPC filed a Post-Hearing Brief in this matter.
Formal Case No. 1167: Implementation of the Business Climate Plan. On January 30, OPC filed Comments in Response to Pepco’s Proposed 15-year Plan and Electrification Study.
Formal Case No. 1017: Development and Designation of Standard Offer Service. On February 5, OPC filed Initial Comments Regarding the Biennial Review of the Standard Offer Service.
Formal Case No. 1176: Pepco's Application to Increase Rates through Implementation of a Multiyear Rate Plan.
On February 10, OPC filed Comments on the Non-Consensus Rate Design Working Group Report. The PSC formed this working group to consider the existing Time of Use Rate Proposal Pepco submitted in this case.
Formal Case No. 1186: Investigation into Energy Affordability in the District of Columbia. On February 17, OPC filed Initial Comments in Response to Order No. 22774, which granted OPC’s petition to examine at energy affordability.
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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.
Jobs Have Priority, Inc. Resource Friday
810 Potomac Avenue SE
Friday, March 6
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Martha's Table
2375 Elvans Road SE
Friday, March 6 and March 20
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Coffee and Conversation
Benning/Dorothy I. Height Library
3935 Benning Road NE
Wednesday, March 11
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Department of Aging and Community Living
Senior Resource Fair at Vesta
800 Southern Avenue SE
Monday, March 16
8:30 am - 2:30 pm
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Electrify DC Healthy Homes Fair
Join OPC at Electrify DC's Healthy Homes Fair on March 21 at Catholic University. Explore clean energy products, services, resources and hands-on workshops for homeowners, renters, and professionals. This free expo will help DC-area residents learn how to make their homes healthier, more resilient, and more affordable to power. Attendees can enjoy an appliance "petting zoo," induction cooking demonstrations, electric vehicle test drives, and e-bike test rides. There will be activities for the whole family, bounce castles, food trucks, and scavenger hunts with appliance giveaways. Register here.
| | OPC's Jean Gross-Bethel instructs visitors at the Model Cities Senior Wellness Center in Ward 5 how to take the OPC solar survey. | | Ashley Roberson (center), a Case Manager at the U.S. Veterans Affairs Community Resource Center in Ward 5, with OPC's Jason Starks and CharQuia Barringtine. | | OPC's Deja Harrison and Claire Shibelski above, and George Gilbert below, explain how OPC serves utility consumers at the National Association of Minority Contractors Expo at the University of the District of Columbia. | | OPC's Jean Gross-Bethel and CharQuia Barrington participate in LIHEAP Action Day, an education and advocacy event where consumer advocates meet with members of Congress and staff to highlight the importance of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. | | |
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,
Getahun Seyoum, Alya Solomon, Valca Valentine
Contributors:
Sandra Mattavous-Frye, Karen Sistrunk, Laurence Daniels,
Linda Jefferson, Sheila Ruffin, CharQuia Barringtine,
Rusheeda Boyd, Adam Carlesco, George Gilbert, Jr.,
Jean Gross-Bethel, Cheryl Morse, Knia Tanner
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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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