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A Note from Your
People's Counsel
Sandra Mattavous-Frye
Powerful Voices
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” That’s a quote from Alice Walker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, poet, and activist. Who knows whether any of the consumers who testified at three recent Public Service Commission community hearings had that sentiment in mind. But OPC commends them for using the power of their voices to oppose a proposal by Washington Gas Light to raise rates by $45.6 million. If approved by the Commission, monthly gas bills would increase by about $15 for average usage.
OPC analyzed WGL’s plans and strongly opposed the requested hike, calling it unaffordable and far more than the utility needs to provide safe and reliable service. We urged DC residents to show up at the April hearings to express their outrage, raise concerns about the rapidly increasing utility rates, and let the Commission know the negative impact on their households.
OPC is pleased that dozens of people testified, with the vast majority opposing the rate increase and supporting OPC’s position. Many of them cited OPC’s diligent work to educate the community about the facts of the rate case. Their preparation is a testament to OPC staff' efforts to keep them informed. We also applaud the many representatives of grassroots environmental groups and climate activists who sparked residents to fill up the rooms. You can watch the last hearing on this link.
If you did not get a chance to testify at one of the hearings, you can still comment on the Commission’s website on this link. Be sure to reference Formal Case No. 1180. See OPC’s fact sheet on the WGL case. If you have questions or need assistance preparing your comments, contact OPC at (202) 727-3071 or email info@opc-dc.gov.
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ICYMI: OPC Warns Consumers to Get Ready for Higher Pepco Rates
In case you missed it, OPC is reminding Pepco customers that in June you will see a big increase in your electric bill—about $20 a month for average usage. This hike is largely related to a record-breaking surge in capacity (wholesale) market electricity prices established through a recent auction conducted by PJM Interconnection. PJM is the transmission organization that manages the electricity grid for the District of Columbia and 13 surrounding states.
PJM transports electricity to Pepco before the utility distributes it to DC homes and businesses. Through auctions, PJM secures commitments from power plants to be online to deliver electricity when demand is highest. Pepco and other utilities pay for this reserved power and pass the costs on to consumers.
OPC raised concerns about PJM’s “flawed system,” filed a complaint, advocated for changes, and reforms were adopted.
Click here to see more background on OPC’s advocacy with this issue.
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The Water Connection
What’s That Charge on My Water Bill?
The period between May and July represents the rainiest part of the year for the District. This is an ideal time to highlight one of the questions OPC’s Water Services Division often gets: “If I didn’t use that much water, what are all these other charges on my bill?” The answer involves the “Clean Rivers Impervious Area Charge,” or CRIAC. So, let’s break it down.
| An impervious area is any surface within a residential property line that causes unnatural water runoff, like rainwater. This includes roofs, concrete walkways, driveways, and patios. Based on the square footage covered by impervious surfaces, the CRIAC fee is billed at a fixed rate. You can check to see if your CRIAC charge is accurate by comparing your impervious square footage with the CRIAC rate matrix, which lists the Equivalent Residential Unit. | If you believe this rate or any other charge on your DC Water bill is inaccurate, don’t hesitate to contact OPC’s Water Services Division at (202) 727-3071 or file a complaint at opc-dc.gov. We are prepared to investigate! | |
Engaging Green
Currently before the Public Service Commission is Formal Case No. 1167, the District’s most important proceeding for cutting greenhouse gas emissions from our energy system. This proceeding is designed for the Commission to oversee how Pepco and Washington Gas (WGL) plan to modernize our energy system with clean and renewable energy. By law, DC must lower greenhouse gas emissions 60% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2045. To get there, each utility must file a series of business plans—a detailed roadmap showing how it will deliver cleaner power and heat without sky-high bills or blackouts.
So why should you care? If the plans are incomplete or maintain the status quo, we all may pay for outdated gas or electric infrastructure that won’t be needed later, potentially leaving all ratepayers on the hook. Additionally, strong, well-thought-out plans mean cleaner air, fewer outages in extreme weather, and more stable energy costs over time.
You may be asking, how do I get involved? Later this year, Pepco and WGL must submit new long-term plans to the Public Service Commission. The PSC will then open a public comment period. When that happens, your voice counts! You can prepare yourself by:
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Reading plain-English summaries of issues on opc-dc.gov.
- Sending comments through the Commission’s website or attending a public hearing.
- Sharing with OPC and the Commission how utility bills or service quality affect your household.
OPC will be there at every step, holding the utilities accountable and protecting your pocketbook while we all move toward a cleaner, healthier DC.
Thank you for staying engaged! A thriving District relies on engaged residents.
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The Solar Connection
By Guest Contributor, Kalen Roach, DCSEU Marketing & Communications Manager
DC Solar 101: Key Terms, Free Programs & Warnings
1. Know the basics
Knowing the following key terms will help you understand solar financing across the District.
Third-Party Ownership: A solar company owns the system on your property, typically through a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). These options offer low to no upfront costs, and the company handles maintenance.
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Solar Lease: Pay a fixed monthly fee to rent the system, regardless of energy usage. Savings depend on whether your panels produce more than you use.
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PPA: Pay only for the electricity your system generates, usually at a rate lower than your utility charges.
Self-Ownership: You own the system either by paying upfront or through a solar loan. You get tax credits, SRECs, and full electricity savings, but you're responsible for maintenance.
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Solar Loan: Financing option to help purchase your system, with ownership and benefits going to you.
SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits): Earn 1 SREC for every 1,000 kWh your system produces. These can be sold for extra income and are only available if you own your system. The District has some of the highest SREC values in the nation.
Solar Tax Credits: Federal or state tax incentives that reduce installation costs; available only to system owners.
2. How Solar for All Fits
The DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) offers no-cost rooftop solar to income-qualified homeowners and renters through the Department of Energy & Environment’s Solar for All (SFA) program. Once approved, a contractor will assess your home’s solar potential. If the home doesn’t qualify, you may still apply to receive community solar bill credits through SFA.
If your home qualifies, you’ll sign an agreement authorizing free solar installation. Your system will generate electricity to offset usage for 20 years, as maintained by your installer, saving up to $500 annually.
3. Verify before moving forward
If someone knocks on your door claiming to be part of a District Government solar program, or you are unsure if an installer is with SFA, always verify with the DCSEU before proceeding. Do not feel pressured into decisions.
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Employee Of the Month: Cheryl Morse
With over 18 years of unwavering service, Cheryl Morse is OPC's Employee of the Month. She brings a deep knowledge of utility laws and procedures and passionate advocacy. She is a fierce defender of DC consumers and never hesitates to challenge questionable third-party energy suppliers to secure justice for residents.
Cheryl’s dedication goes far beyond the call of duty. She rarely takes time off, but when she does, you can count on her to jump right back in, asking how she can help. Her compassion shines brightest when assisting our most vulnerable consumers, including seniors and individuals with disabilities. Cheryl’s stellar customer service makes her an indispensable member of the Consumer Services Division.
Congratulations, Cheryl on this well-deserved recognition!
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OPC is Advocating for Consumers in the
Following Cases:
Formal Case No. 1176: Pepco's application for approval to increase rates through the implementation of a Multiyear Rate Plan. On April 21, OPC filed a letter in support of a Motion for Suspension of the Working Group Report by the Apartment and Office Building Association.
Formal Case No. 1179: Investigation into Washington Gas Light's Strategically Targeted Pipe Replacement Plan.
On April 23, OPC filed supplemental testimony.
Formal Case No. 1167: Implementation of the Climate Business Plan. On April 25, OPC filed a Response to Order No. 22339 Regarding a Gas Distribution Planning Proceeding.
Formal Case No. 1180: Washington Gas Light Rate Case Application. On May 2, OPC filed surrebuttal testimony in this matter.
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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, 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. These are scheduled events:
Glover Park Day 2025
Guy Mason Recreation Center
3600 Calvert Street NW
Saturday, May 31
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Atrium DC
Providing Consumers with Utility Information
4020 Minnesota Avenue NE
Tuesday, June 3
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
ANC 7C Virtual General Meeting
Thursday, June 12
6:30 pm- 8:30 pm
Webex: https://dcnet.webex.com/meet/7c.anc
Phone: (202) 860-2110
Access Code: 479182377
Salvation Army Community Fair
2300 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE
Monday, June 16
8:00 am- 3:00 pm
Mobile Market and Diaper Bank
4900 10th Street NE
Thursday, June 19
9:00 am - 11:30 am
| | OPC's Claire Shibelski of the Water Services Division shares information about our services with a DC Water customer at the Greater Washington Urban League's Community Day on their grounds in Ward 1. | | OPC’s Rusheeda Boyd and Valca Valentine share utility information with a visitor at the Community of Hope Health and Resource Fair in Ward 8. | | At Powell Elementary School's Health and Wellness Fair, OPC's Jason Starks talks with a young consumer who picked up coloring and picture books OPC publishes to teach young people how they can help their families save energy. | | OPC’s Aleksandra George, Deja Harrison, and Valca Valentine join Xavier Brown on a tour of the University of the District of Columba's hydroponic greenhouse at Anacostia High School in Ward 8. Brown is the UDC liaison to the high school where the students are learning about urban agriculture and food production. | | |
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,
Linda Jefferson, Adam Carlesco, Jean Gross-Bethel,
Ankush Nayar, Pamela Nelson, Jason Starks
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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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