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A Note from Your
People's Counsel
Sandra Mattavous-Frye
Chronicling History &
The Currents of Change
Black History Month is upon us and the theme for February 2025 is “African Americans and Labor,” according to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the organization recognized as founding Black History Month. ASALH says the theme “focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds…intersect with the collective experiences of Black people."
Many historians and educators acknowledge the importance of recording and recognizing the work, accomplishments, people, and events that have had significant impacts and shaped history in various sectors of life and society. With this in mind, I commissioned the publication of “Currents of Change, OPC’s Journey to Protect Utility Consumers,” which chronicles the history of the Office of the People’s Counsel.
Currents of Change marks OPC’s 50th anniversary as an independent agency of the District of Columbia Government this year. Initially beginning in 1926, OPC’s functions fell under the Public Service Commission. Subsequently in 1952, the People’s Counsel position was dissolved because of budgetary constraints. But as the need for a dedicated advocate for DC utility consumers became clear, fortunately, Congress revived OPC as a separate, independent agency in 1975.
I invite you to read about OPC’s notable, significant, and consistent work, as we have labored over decades to ensure District residents are well represented and have a voice in the critical matters that affect their households, our city, and our environment. You can find a digital version of Currents of Change on opc-dc.gov. Stay tuned for the date of the publication of a tabletop book.
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Update on Pepco’s
Multiyear Rate Increase Plan
The DC Public Service Commission on January 28 denied OPC’s Application for Reconsideration in Formal Case No. 1176. OPC challenged the PSC’s decision to approve Pepco’s request to increase electric bills through a multiyear rate plan (learn more in the article below this one). OPC believes the PSC did not follow appropriate procedures under DC law in awarding rate increases.
This is a momentous decision because the approved multiyear rate increase plan is a major departure from the PSC’s longtime traditional way of considering rate increases based on utility costs and revenues over a 12-month period. Energy costs continue to rise at an alarming rate with limited accountability for Pepco. It is difficult to justify how the PSC’s decisions in this case serve the best interests of DC consumers who continue to struggle with the spiraling cost of energy.
OPC remains concerned about the apparent erosion of due process for consumers, which is a fundamental right.
OPC is carefully reviewing this decision. We will determine what action we need to take to ensure that the public interest is protected and that consumers' entitlement to safe, reliable, and affordable utility service is not compromised.
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Pepco Electric Bills
Going Up
DC ratepayers may have been alarmed by a recent message in their Pepco electric bills indicating that monthly rates would increase effective January 2025. Pepco attributes the increase to the “Climate Ready Pathway DC” portion of the company’s multiyear rate plan (referenced above), approved last year by the DC Public Service Commission. Depending upon your billing cycle, you should see the increase reflected on your bill soon.
According to Pepco, most customers will see a 5% overall increase in their billing statement. This translates to about $6.46 per month for the average residential consumer. Your increase may be higher based on your usage. Customers enrolled in the Residential Aid Discount program will not be affected by the increase.
The January increase consists of a 6% increase in the distribution portion of your bill—or charges related to the costs of delivering service to customers—and a -1% reduction in the surcharges on your bill that may include taxes, fees, and other regulatory charges.
In its communications to customers, Pepco notes there is no change to the electric supply rate or to the transmission cost to bring electricity into the region. However, OPC is aware of impending increases expected to go into effect mid-year. We will share more with consumers as those details become available.
In the meantime, OPC encourages you to consider energy efficiency modifications in your home and to take advantage of resources available through the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU).
Want to learn more? Contact OPC’s Consumer Services Division to learn about energy assistance programs you can apply for.
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The Water Connection
What's Up with Your Water Bill?
OPC always recommends consumers pay close attention to their utility bills to be on the lookout for any unexplained jump in usage or payment due. Have you noticed a change in your water bill in recent months? OPC's Water Services Division wants consumers to be aware that higher rates went into effect on October 1, 2024, the beginning of fiscal year 2025. You also are due an increase for fiscal year 2026, which begins in October of this year. According to DC Water, the rate hikes are because of increased supply costs, escalating lead line replacements District-wide, and the final phase of DC Water’s stormwater sewer tunnels project.
As the advocate for utility consumers, OPC believes rates should be fair, reasonable, and affordable. Unlike the other utilities which are subject to regulation by the DC Public Service Commission, DC Water, alone, controls its rates.
On behalf of DC Water customers, OPC always exercises its very limited role in the water company's rate-setting and other practices. This role includes engaging with DC Water operations and finance divisions on rate proposals, monitoring and providing input on infrastructure upgrade projects, and providing recommendations on rates and rate structures before they are voted upon by DC Water’s Board of Directors. For this rate increase, OPC met with DC Water’s chief financial officer and operations director, reviewed operational and infrastructure development project plans, and submitted detailed recommendations on the proposed rates and rate structures.
DC Water explains the new rates on this link: Approved FY 2025 and FY 2026 Rates | DC Water.
If you need help deciphering your water bill or have a complaint, call OPC's Water Services Division at (202) 727-3071 or file a complaint on opc-dc.gov. You also can contact DC Water customer service at (202) 354-3750.
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It’s Electric...Cooking!
Are you ready to slide that gas range out of your kitchen and slide in that shiny new electric range? Not just any electric range or stovetop, but one with induction technology.
What's induction?
Induction stoves are the latest innovation in kitchen appliances. Unlike traditional electric stoves, which use heating elements to transfer heat to the cookware, induction stoves use electromagnetic fields to directly heat the pots and pans. This makes them more energy-efficient, safer, and heat faster than conventional electric stoves.
Why induction?
According to the US Department of Energy, induction stoves are up to three times more efficient than gas stoves, and up to 10% more efficient than conventional top electric ranges. That’s energy and money saved without having to worry about an induction stove being slow to heat up. Reports indicate that induction cooktops bring water to a rolling boil 20-40% faster than gas and traditional electric cooktops. Also, since induction stoves heat the cookware directly, a burner will not get hot with no pot on top. In addition, switching from gas means you won’t have to worry about gas leaking when you cook.
What's the catch?
There’s no catch but remember that induction-safe cookware must contain ferromagnetic materials, meaning it either contains iron or has a layer with magnetic properties. Also, you need to make sure that your home is ready for the switch from gas. You may need a new 240v outlet or additional circuits added to your breaker. Those costs can add up, but that’s where the DC Sustainable Energy Utility has you covered.
The DCSEU has two ways for you to save on a new induction stove. Take advantage of rebates to get $600-800 off an ENERGY STAR induction stovetop or range and if you need a new circuit to accommodate the stove save $400 per circuit. Residents with lower incomes should apply for the Affordable Home Electrification Program (AHEP) and electrify your stove along with your entire home for free with the DCSEU. Induction-safe cookware also is available through the AHEP.
To make that “electric slide,’’ visit dcseu.com/homes to find out which pathway to savings and gas emissions reduction is right for your household.
Guest Contributor Kalen Roach, DC Sustainable Energy Utility Marketing & Communications Manager, provided this article.
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Employee of the Month: Phillip Harmon
Phillip Harmon is a Policy Analyst in OPC's Communications Division. He is one of the longest-serving OPC employees and his institutional knowledge of the agency is a valuable asset. Colleagues say Phil does not hesitate to use his historical know-how, as well as his new and creative ideas to advance OPC’s mission and improve service to consumers.
Phil has his capable hands in many projects in multiple OPC divisions. He has overseen video production to get the word out about cases. Phil is the “guru” of OPC’s website upgrades and is a key member of the OPC Connection Newsletter writing and editing team. He also uses his writing and organizational skills to help draft the People’s Counsel DC Council testimony.
Managers say Phil is worthy of the Employee of the Month recognition because of the multiple critical and diverse roles he plays to keep OPC’s engines running. Congratulations Phil!
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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 December 18 and 23, OPC filed a Notice of Objection to several WGL data requests. The grounds for objection were that the requests require a legal conclusion or are irrelevant.
On December 27 and 31, OPC filed a Response to WGL’s Motion to Compel Responses to certain data requests because they were vague and outside WGL's authority.
On January 9, OPC filed a Joint Motion to WGL’s Motion for an Evidentiary Hearing and a Joint Motion to Dismiss the Application of WGL.
GD-2024-02-M and Formal Case No. 1183: Petition for an Investigation into the Impact of the PJM Capacity Auction and a Request for the Establishment of a Task Force to Develop Solutions
On January 7, OPC filed a Request to be Appointed to the PJM Capacity Auction Task Force. OPC initiated this matter in the wake of the upcoming electric rate increase related to PJM's actions. OPC wants the PSC to study the impact of the rate increase and educate consumers about it.
Formal Case No. 1176: Pepco's Application for Approval to Increase Rates through Implementation of a Multiyear Rate Plan
On January 8, OPC filed a Notice of Participation in the Lessons Learned Working Group on the rate plan.
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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.
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OPC's George Gilbert, Jr. (on the right) marches in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk in Ward 8. Photo courtesy of The Washington Informer. | |
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OPC staff above and below attend an office retreat at the Kellogg Conference Center at Gallaudet University to brainstorm for ideas and strategize to improve OPC's productivity and service to DC utility consumers.
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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, Alya Solomon
Contributors:
Sandra Mattavous-Frye, Karen Sistrunk, Laurence Daniels,
Adam Carlesco, Cecilia Jones-Walker, Sohani Khan,
Ankush Nayar, Valca Valentine, Marchim Williams
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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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