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A Note from Your
People's Counsel
Sandra Mattavous-Frye
Earth Day:
Our Power, Our Planet
Every year on Earth Day, we celebrate the District’s commitment to cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods, and a stable climate. The theme of the April 22, 2025, observance was “Our Power, Our Planet.” And at the Office of the People’s Counsel, the Earth Day action plan to empower, educate, advocate, and mobilize communities is woven into our daily work. By law, OPC must champion affordable, reliable utility service and safeguard environmental quality for all eight wards. In practice, we fight on two fronts: keeping consumer bills in check and pushing utilities to cut the pollution that drives extreme heat, floods, and asthma rates in the District.
Over the past year, OPC has taken concrete steps to align consumer protection with environmental protection. We urged the Public Service Commission to reject natural gas expansion plans that could saddle the most vulnerable ratepayers with costly, obsolete pipelines as homes electrify with more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly appliances.
OPC pressed Pepco and Washington Gas to detail exactly how much of their power comes from renewable sources and how quickly they will meet the city’s clean energy mandates. We have advocated for comprehensive planning of the District’s energy systems to ensure affordability and reliability as the city electrifies. We also requested that both Pepco and Washington Gas file comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions reports so residents can see whether corporate climate promises translate into real-world results.
Environmental protection and consumer protection are not competing goals; they are two sides of the same coin. A modern, efficient utility system lowers monthly costs, improves public health, and secures a livable future for the next generation of Washingtonians.
On Earth Day - and every day - OPC is working for both people and planet. Be sure to take a look at OPC's Earth Day message in The Washington Informer's Sustainability Supplement.
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This past week, OPC joined a coalition of legislators, consumer advocates, and concerned utility residents from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia in calling for the reinstatement of federal employees who were responsible for administering the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). At a press conference organized by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), OPC attorney Kintéshia Scott presented remarks (here) emphasizing the importance of LIHEAP to DC consumers who need help keeping up with utility bills.
Federal LIHEAP employees are responsible for ensuring funds are distributed to state and local agencies, which in the District, is the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). The $4.1 billion program helps to keep utility bills more affordable by providing vital heating and cooling bill payment assistance to those in need. As a result of HHS placing these employees on leave, nearly $400 million remains undistributed to states during a time when summer months and higher cooling bills are quickly approaching.
OPC fully recognizes the economic crisis that many District consumers are currently facing and is working with other agencies to seek solutions. As ratepayers struggle to meet their energy burden, LIHEAP remains a critical piece in helping households avoid disconnection. OPC will continue to advocate for the reinstatement of the federal LIHEAP staff and will continue to advocate for LIHEAP to be adequately funded so that DC consumers can have affordable and reliable heating and cooling services in their homes.
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One More Time to Testify
The final DC Public Commission community hearing on the proposed $45.6 million Washington Gas Light (WGL) rate increase is Tuesday, April 29, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Commission at 1325 G Street NW, Suite 800. The Commission also has provided this link to watch online.
OPC urges consumers to let their voice be heard. Tell the Commission to oppose WGL's huge rate proposal in Formal Case No. 1180. OPC believes this proposal will unjustly raise your natural gas bill by 16%. See OPC’s factsheet for background here.
DC residents were out in full force last Monday for a hearing at the Petworth Library in Ward 4. About 20 people testified against the utility’s plans. Many said this was not the time to raise rates when consumers are dealing with federal layoffs and declining bill payment assistance. They also agreed with OPC’s concerns about WGL’s mismanagement of its pipeline replacement program and continuing dangerous gas leaks.
Click on this “testimony in song,” delivered at the April 21 hearing.
Instructions to testify:
To testify at the community hearing, email: PSC-CommissionSecretary@dc.gov. Submit written testimony by emailing or via the PSC’s website, referencing Formal Case No. 1180.
If you have questions or need assistance in preparing your comments, contact OPC at (202) 727-3071 or email info@opc-dc.gov.
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The Water Connection
Tips to Keep the Water Running as Things Are Drying Up
OPC’s Water Services Division wants DC Water consumers to know that while some bill payment assistance programs are depleted, other funding remains to keep households connected to vital water resources. Don’t assume your income is too high to qualify. Check this DC Water link to see if you are eligible for DC Water Customer Assistance Programs and other incentive programs. Eligible households can receive monthly discounts on water and sewer services ranging from about $200 to $1,500. In addition, consider the following conservation tips to save water and money.
Repair all leaks. A leaky running toilet can waste at least 200 gallons daily. To check for toilet leaks, add food coloring to the tank. If the colored water appears in the bowl, you have a leak. Call a certified plumber as soon as possible for repairs.
Take short showers. Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators. Fill the tub half-full. Turn off the water while brushing teeth or shaving. Use fully loaded dishwashers and washing machines. Install rain barrels to capture water for landscaping.
Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation when the pool is not in use. Control the water flow of a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle. Wash the car from a bucket or go to a commercial car wash that recycles water.
If you struggle to keep up with bill debt, pay as much as possible to avoid being disconnected. Shut-off and reconnection fees can cost up to $105. Most payment plans require a down payment of 30% of the total outstanding bill to get reconnected. It’s illegal to turn water on once DC Water has disconnected service. Only DC Water has the authority to restore water services.
Don’t hesitate to call OPC’s Water Service Division at (202) 727-3071 as we stand ready to provide guidance to help you keep the water running.
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The Solar Connection
Beware of Bad Solar Scammers
Perhaps you have heard about the electricity savings you could get by "going solar" through the District’s no-cost Solar for All program? Or a neighbor has shared their satisfaction with the savings on their electric bill from their solar system. Now, you are eager to have solar panels installed on your roof. Then, an overly aggressive solar salesperson knocks on your door to entice you to sign up for what he or she claims is a free Solar for All system.
It all sounds believable, and you sign on the dotted line. A few months later, your solar panels are up on the roof! To your surprise, though, you get a $20,000 bill from a finance company you never interacted with but is telling you your first monthly payment is now due.
This is a troubling scenario that some DC seniors and vulnerable residents are falling victim to, OPC has learned. We urge you to always read the fine print, guard your personal information such as account numbers, and never sign any contract without asking many questions and getting clear answers.
If you believe you have been the victim of this or any other utility scam, contact OPC at (202) 727-3071 or file a complaint at opc-dc.gov. We are here to help.
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ICYMI
OPC Provides Useful Information for Social Service Partners & Our Mutual Constituents
OPC uses various vehicles to share critical information to inform DC consumers about our services and inform them of the services provided by community partners and utilities. Such was the case with the two recent virtual forums OPC hosted.
On March 27, OPC held its annual Social Services Network Discussion. OPC invited customer service representatives of Pepco, Washington Gas, and DC Water to talk about bill payment assistance and other resources available to help consumers keep their utilities running. The discussion was geared toward social service and DC government agencies so that they could, in turn, share the information with their clients. In case you missed it, watch this link.
On March 20, the audience for the OPC Community Briefing was the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and the DC Federation of Civic Associations. During this session, OPC reminded civic leaders of the various ways OPC serves DC residents. OPC staff also highlighted utility trends and gave updates on pending rate increase cases. Click on this link to watch.
Stay tuned for future forums designed to keep consumers connected.
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Employee Spotlight:
Aleksandra George
Aleksandra George, who goes by “Sasha,” joined OPC in June 2024 as an Assistant People’s Counsel. In this role, Sasha leads OPC’s advocacy in the Public Service Commission’s investigation into the Washington Gas leak detection, recording, and reporting practices. Sasha also provides vital consultation on the intersection of environmental justice and utility ratepayer advocacy, a combination that embodies the diversity of their legal and policy expertise.
Sasha’s journey to OPC is deeply rooted in a lifelong commitment to justice and learning. Raised in the South Bronx of New York City, Sasha attended an arts high school and has a strong foundation in classical music. They later earned a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University in economics, philosophy, and environmental policy, before earning a law degree from Boston University.
Sasha’s legal career began at Earthjustice’s D.C. office in the Healthy Communities Program, followed by impactful roles at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s New England Region and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, with a strong focus on the Clean Air Act, hazardous waste, environmental justice, and civil rights. Most recently, Sasha served as an environmental justice research faculty member at New York University Law, supporting the development of environmental justice teams in attorneys general offices across the country.
Sasha proudly identifies as Afro-Indigenous to Borinquen (Puerto Rico), Ayiti (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and brings the legacy of the South Bronx's multi-generational organizing into every aspect of their community lawyering.
Outside of work, Sasha enjoys gardening, biking, rock climbing, hiking, painting, playing music, and scuba diving, and is often joined by two beloved pups, Honey, a Chihuahua, and Mariluna, a German Shepherd, and Merlina, a turtle.
Sasha’s first language is Spanish, they also know some French and is currently studying the Arawak-Eyeri (Taino) language.
OPC welcomes Sasha and all their diversity of language and law.
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OPC is Advocating for Consumers in the
Following Cases:
Formal Case No. 1180: Washington Gas Light Company Rate Case Application
On March 25, OPC filed rebuttal testimony in the matter cited above.
Formal Case GD2019-04-M: Implementation of the 2019 Clean Energy DC Omnibus Act Compliance Requirement
On April 11, OPC filed comments on the Benefit-Cost Analysis Framework developed by the PSC. The BCA evaluates Pepco and Washington Gas programs to determine if they provide net benefits to ratepayers while advancing energy efficiency, emissions reductions, and equity objectives.
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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.
Powell Elementary
1350 Upshur Street NW
Wednesday, April 30
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
ANC 7C Virtual General Meeting
Thursday, May 1
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Webex: https://dcnet.webex.com/meet/7c.anc
Phone: 202-860-2110
Access Code: 479182377
Southwest Library
900 Wesley Place SW
Thursday, May 8
11:30 am - 4:30 pm
| | OPC's Cheryl Morse and Kintéshia Scott (below) speak with attendees at the Public Service Commission community hearing on the proposed Washington Gas rate increase. | | |
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,
Adam Carlesco, Pamela Nelson, Bryan Rhodes, Kinteshia Scott
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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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