July 2026

OPC Out Front Pushing Pipeline Safety & Savings

A two-day DC Public Service Commission hearing on the Washington Gas Light pipeline replacement program wrapped up on July 28, as OPC continued to advocate for safety and savings for WGL consumers. The hearing was the result of OPC’s successful request for reconsideration of the Commission’s March 2026 approval of a $150 million modified replacement plan. OPC requested the Commission reconsider that decision because WGL’s application was deficient and the PSC granted reconsideration on May 4. The Office of the DC Attorney General, representing the DC government, and the Sierra Club also sought reconsideration.

Now named the “District SAFE Plan” this latest proceeding is WGL’s fourth attempt to gain approval to recover from ratepayers massive costs for infrastructure upgrades to its natural gas distribution system. OPC has repeatedly challenged the Commission’s procedures in this case, which began over a decade ago.

In 2014, the Commission approved the first five-year phase of WGL’s 40-year revised plan to replace aging, leak-prone infrastructure at an estimated cost of $110 million.

In 2020, the Commission approved a three-year plan—PIPES 2 and extended it multiple times until December 31, 2026.

In 2024, the Commission rejected WGL’s PIPES 3 plan after OPC, and stakeholders challenged the reasonableness of WGL's proposal. WGL then proposed the District SAFE Plan, claiming it targets the replacement of certain vintage pipes, and sought recovery of the costs through a surcharge on consumer bills. OPC requested the Commission dismiss the application, citing noncompliance with District law and previous Commission orders, but the Commission declined.

OPC’s position is that WGL failed to provide evidence that its proposed plan is just and reasonable, and the money WGL requests is far greater than the money any of its peers and larger utilities have spent on accelerated pipe replacement.

If the Commission approves continued pipe replacement, OPC believes the Commission should deny a customer surcharge to recover the extremely high costs of WGL's snail pace replacement.

The DC Council Connection

OPC Tracking Bills Designed to Put the Brakes on Exorbitant Energy Costs

To protect residents from sky-high utility bills and predatory marketing, the Retail Energy Market Consumer Protection Amendment Act of 2026 (B26-0750) proposes stricter rules for third-party energy suppliers (TPSs). While residents are able to choose alternative electricity and gas suppliers instead of default utilities like Pepco and Washington Gas, data reveals that residential TPS customers pay 70% to 80% more for energy, leading to disproportionate financial strain and service disconnections.

Following thousands of complaints about misleading sales tactics, hidden rates, and exit barriers, the new bill directs the Public Service Commission to cap TPS pricing at no more than 110% above default utility rates. Additionally, the legislation eliminates early termination fees so customers can switch providers freely, and mandates clear public contract disclosures on a comparison website to restore transparency and fair pricing.

OPC Urges Stronger Guardrails for Utility Ratemaking Bill



In testimony before the DC Council Committee on Transportation and the Environment, OPC voiced support for the Utility Rates and Ratemaking Amendment Act of 2026 (Bill 26-0596) that would require the PSC to adhere to new procedures before approving multiyear rate increases. OPC urged the Council to adopt even stronger safeguards, cautioning that current multiyear rate plans force consumers to bankroll projected utility spending without proven benefits to ratepayers, at a time when rising wholesale energy prices and data centers are adding to exorbitant bills.

We'll keep your posted as the lawmakers consider these bills.

The Water Connection

Think Your Water Bill Is Wrong? Act ASAP 

Opening your water bill and seeing an unexpected increase can be overwhelming. If you believe your bill is incorrect, OPC's Water Services Division recommends taking action ASAP. The first thing you should do is check the bill date. 

DC Water requires billing disputes to be submitted in writing within 20 calendar days of the bill date. Missing that deadline could mean losing your right to dispute the charges. See an example below.  

Before filing a dispute, compare your bill to previous months, check for leaks or unusual water use, and gather any supporting documents, such as plumbing invoices or photos. You can submit your dispute expeditiously using the DC Water Online Bill Dispute Form, which also allows you to upload supporting documents. 

One important reminder: A bill dispute does not carry over to future bills. If you receive another bill while your original dispute is under review and you disagree with the new charges, you must submit a separate dispute for each new bill within 20 calendar days of the latest bill date.  

If you have questions about the dispute process or need help understanding your options, call OPC's Water Services Division at (202) 727-3071. 



Join OPC at the Back-to-School Festival at THEARC on August 23. Register here or on the QR code below.

The Partner Connection

The DC Sustainable Energy Utility Celebrates 15 Years

The 15-year anniversary of the DCSEU comes at a pivotal moment for the District. Over the past year, the city has experienced the highest unemployment rate in the country, while electricity costs have risen 93.2% over the last five years, and other everyday expenses, such as gasoline and childcare, continue to rise. With utility prices at record highs, energy efficiency programs remain a valuable, cost-effective, and readily deployable tool to manage increasing energy bills. OPC, DCSEU, and DOEE work together to help consumers save energy and money.

“We continue to support the needs of DC residents whether they seek to join our Solar for all program, take advantage of energy efficiency rebates for appliances or convert their homes to full electricity. And we work with building owners and businesses to encourage them to retrofit their spaces for energy savings that in turn benefit tenants, customers and the environment of the city," said Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Director Richard Jackson.

“The impact of our work extends far beyond energy savings. Over the past 15 years, we have helped residents lower utility costs, supported businesses in becoming more competitive, created economic opportunities, and reduced the District’s environmental footprint," said DCSEU Managing Director Ben Burdick. "These achievements are the result of strong partnerships with DOEE, OPC, and the communities we serve. Together, we have demonstrated what is possible when clean energy investments are designed to benefit everyone, and we remain committed to advancing that vision for years to come.”

DCSEU counts the following progress:

· $2 billion in total lifetime savings for DC residents and businesses

· $360 million invested in energy efficiency

· $120 million invested in programming with low-income communities

· $99 million invested in Certified Business Enterprises

· 10 million metric tons of lifetime greenhouse gas emissions prevented

· More than 300 District residents graduating from the DCSEU’s Workforce Development Program

· Expanded solar power access to more than 11,000 families through Solar for All.

To learn more, subscribe to the DCSEU newsletter at DCSEU.com

The Tech Connection

How the Energy Price Outlook Affects Your Utility Bills



Each month, OPC's Tech Division reviews natural gas and electricity price trends to help residents plan ahead. This outlook draws on forecasts from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and other federal agencies and institutions. Here is what OPC found for July 2026.

The prices that utilities pay for natural gas, known as wholesale prices, were expected to rise modestly in July 2026, by about 3 percent at $3.04/MMBtu (one million British thermal units), compared with the prior three-month average price of $2.95/MMBtu. OPC’s review of factors that influence wholesale natural gas market prices indicates that prices are expected to remain under $4.30/MMBtu until December 2026. Home heating and cooking costs are not likely to spike in the near term if circumstances remain unchanged.

Residents can get their natural gas service from Washington Gas or from a third-party supplier (TPS). Reviewing Washington Gas market data compared to selected TPS companies, OPC found that a typical household could save roughly $220 to $317 per year by sticking with the traditional utilities.



Consumers can estimate their monthly gas or electricity bills, find energy-saving tips, and compare their provider with other suppliers by visiting opc-dc.gov.

OPC is Advocating for Consumers in the

Following Cases:

Formal Case No. 1178: Petition for Investigation into Washington Gas Light Company’s System Leak Reduction Practices; Formal Case No. 977: Investigation into the Quality of Service of Washington Gas Light Company.

On June 25, OPC filed a Motion for Status on the Petition for the Establishment of Independent Distribution Monitor to Evaluate and Oversee Washington Gas Light Company’s Recording, Reporting, and Maintenance of gas leaks. This motion was filed after the PSC failed to act on the initial petition that was filed some time ago.

Formal Case No. 1176: Pepco's Application for Approval to Increase Rates through a Multiyear Rate Plan

On July 2, OPC filed a Motion to Compel Pepco to issue documents through the discovery process. Pepco objected to several data requests from OPC.

On July 20, OPC filed a Brief in Response to the PSC's Directive in Order No. 22892, which denied OPC’s Application for Reconsideration. After the DC Court of Appeals overturned PSC's approval of Pepco’s multiyear rate plan, the rates in question were not rolled back after the court decision nor were refunds or credits issued to the ratepayers, as advocated by OPC.

OPC In Your Neighborhood

OPC welcomes opportunities to speak at your Advisory Neighborhood Commission, civic association, community group meeting or event. We can provide 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. For virtual meetings, contact the organizer for sign-on information. Below are scheduled events and appearances.

Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

19th Annual Community Day

Deanwood Community Center

1350 49th Street NE

Saturday, August 1

11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Jobs Have Priority Inc. Resource Fridays

810 Potomac Avenue SE

Friday, August 7

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Back To School Event

Northwest One Library

155 L Street NW

Wednesday, August 19

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Unity in the Community 2026

Union Wesley AME Zion Church

1860 Michigan Avenue NE

Sunday, August 23

11:30 am - 2:30 pm

Rock The Boat Festival

Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway

THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE

Sunday, August 23

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Photo Gallery

Standing, OPC's Angela Simmons and CharQuia Barringtine with students participating in the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program. OPC is introducing the students to utility, energy, environmental justice, and community advocacy issues, and explaining OPC's role in protecting them and their families. Students from Banneker, Roosevelt, McKinley Tech, and Washington Latin schools also are being exposed to energy careers, civic awareness, and leadership skills.

At the Public Service Commission hearing on the Washington Gas pipeline replacement program, from left, OPC Financial Specialist Alicia Smith, Assistant People's Counsel Ade Adeniyi, the lead attorney on the case, and Paralegal Specialist Tamika Dodson.

OPC's Jean Gross-Bethel shares pleasant moments with seniors at the Model Cities Wellness Center in Ward 5.

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.

OPC Connection Editorial Team:

Doxie A. McCoy, Phillip Harmon, Quaneisha Glover,

Chawndise Battle, Dwayne Houston,

Getahun Seyoum, Alya Solomon, Valca Valentine



Contributors:



Karen Sistrunk, Laurence Daniels, Sheila Ruffin, Ade Adeniyi,

Rusheeda Boyd, Jean Gross-Bethel, Angela Simmons

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