March 2025

A Note from Your

People's Counsel

Sandra Mattavous-Frye

OPC is Springing into Action as Utility Service Challenges Creep Up

As the spring season gets underway, the Office of the People’s Counsel is moving aggressively to assist DC consumers who are navigating challenges with utility bills. Were you or someone you know recently impacted by federal layoffs? Are you or someone you know currently experiencing economic setbacks? If so, rest assured, OPC's Consumer, Water, and Litigation Services Divisions are here to help.

With electric, gas, and water rates rising, and job losses climbing, OPC recognizes the importance of keeping residents updated with the latest key information.

Recently, the District Department of Energy and Environment informed OPC that it stopped accepting applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) on March 7, 2025, and does not anticipate reopening the application process until the new fiscal year begins in October 2025. We recognize that many consumers rely on this program to help pay utility bills and that the program’s closure is a concern. But other bill payment options are available and OPC can give guidance on what may be best for your household. We are committed to providing vital information about energy assistance programs to help keep the lights on, the water running, and the gas burning.

Pay close attention to OPC consumer alerts, social media, and the OPC Connection as we will provide details on utility rate increases that you can expect to face this summer, in addition to already-anticipated rising utility bills resulting from rising temperatures as the seasons change.

Please review our notice below about the upcoming community hearings that the Public Service Commission has scheduled in the Washington Gas rate increase case. As your utility lawyer, OPC will continue to advocate zealously for affordable rates and quality service. However, the Commission needs to hear directly from you about how these increases are affecting your life. If you need assistance preparing testimony or sending letters to the PSC, we are here to help.

Call (202) 727-3071 if you have questions about testimony or your utility bills. You also can file a complaint at opc-dc.gov. OPC's dedicated staff is ready to support you.

Urgent Water Service Alert for Apartment Building Residents

OPC has learned DC Water has begun sending disconnection notices to tenants in apartment buildings where property owners have failed to pay water bills. If you have received one of these notices through no fault of your own, it is important to act immediately.

OPC is working with the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Tenant Advocate, and DC Water to avert these disconnections and protect tenants from losing water service because a landlord has not paid the bill.

What You Should Do:

• If you receive a water disconnection notice, contact OPC right away at (202) 727-3071.
• Please have a copy of your notice available when you call.

OPC is committed to ensuring that residents are not unfairly penalized for situations outside their control. Your water service is essential, and we’re here to help protect it. Don’t wait—call us as soon as you receive a notice. Stay informed and stay connected.

Time to Weigh in on Washington Gas Rates

The DC Public Service Commission has announced a series of public hearings on Washington Gas's request to increase rates in Formal Case No. 1180. The hearings will provide consumers with a chance to comment on the gas company's plan to hike the average monthly bill by about $15. OPC encourages consumers to let their voices be heard. Now, more than ever, consumers must express their outrage, raise concerns about the rapidly increasing utility rates, and let the PSC know the impact on their households.

The hearing schedule follows:  

April 10

Benning/Dorothy I. Height Library  

3935 Benning Rd. NE 

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm 

April 21

Petworth Neighborhood Library 

4200 Kansas Avenue NW 

Meeting Room 1 

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 

April 29

Public Service Commission Hearing Room 

1325 G Street NW, Suite 800 

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

If you can testify in person, contact the Commission three days in advance of the hearing at which you wish to appear. Email your request to PSC-CommissionSecretary@dc.gov.

Written statements can be uploaded to the Commission's website. Be sure to reference Formal Case 1180.

Persons requesting special accommodations for hearing, vision, limited English, or other assistance are asked to contact the Commission seven days in advance of your hearing of interest. Persons requesting translation services are asked to contact the Commission at least 5 days in advance. The number to call is (202) 626-5150.

Steps to Take if Struggling with Utility Bills 

If you are a DC resident having a hard time keeping up with your gas, water, or electric bills, or have received a disconnection notice, here are a few critical steps to take.

Contact the utility company directly to inquire about the options available to you. But note, you are not obligated to decide your next steps on the spot while speaking with a utility representative. Always ask for additional information and reach out to OPC for advice and guidance, if needed.

Apply for available energy assistance programs through the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE): 

Utility Discount Program (UDP): You may be eligible for a discount on your water, electric, or gas bill. You could receive discounts of: 

Up to $475 per year on your electric bills ($300 per year if you don't have electric heat). 

Up to $276 during the winter season on your gas bill. Over $962 annually on your water and sewer bills. 

Visit here for more information or contact the utility company for more information about UDP. 

Arrearage Management Program (AMP): You may be eligible for debt forgiveness of up to $3,600 for your electric bill or $3,000 for your gas bill. To qualify, you must be enrolled in the Utility Discount Program for Pepco and Washington Gas. Contact Pepco or Washington Gas to see if you qualify for AMP.

Budget Billing: Would you prefer a pre-arranged amount on your bills on a monthly basis? Contact Pepco or Washington Gas for an explanation of their program.  

Payment Arrangements: Contact the utility company to see what options are available. You do not have to accept an arrangement that is unaffordable. Contact OPC if you have questions about payment arrangements. 

Solar For All: DOEE administers a community solar program that comes at no cost to eligible applicants and expects to deliver energy bill savings. You can participate in this program even if you live in an apartment building or condominium. For more information and eligibility requirements, visit here. To apply for the Solar for All program, visit here.  

Washington Area Fuel Fund: Washington Gas and The Salvation Army created the WAFF to help consumers pay winter heating bills. The program is accepting applications through May 31, 2025. For more information on the eligibility requirements, visit here, and to apply, visit here.  

OPC does not provide funds for paying utility bills directly but can refer you to social services agencies that have funding, give advice about the best options for you, investigate, and even litigate a utility issue on your behalf--all at no cost to you. Do not hesitate to call OPC at (202) 727-3071.

Meeting & Greeting the Community

On March 20, OPC held its annual Community Briefing for Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANC) and the DC Federation of Civic Associations (DCFCA). The virtual meet and greet gave new members from each organization a chance to learn about OPC and meet the outreach specialists assigned to their respective wards. 

Staff shared the trends the agency is seeing among the utilities. OPC’s Litigation Division gave updates on approved and pending Pepco and Washington Gas rate increases. Other information highlighted concerns with third-party energy suppliers, flooding, and Washington Gas's pipe replacement program.  

To continue the dialogue, OPC welcomes invitations to speak at ANC and civic association monthly meetings.

The Water Connection

DC Water Leak Assessment Program

Many DC residents face unexpectedly high water bills due to hidden leaks. To address this, DC Water created a Residential Leak Assessment and Repair Assistance Program to help eligible customers enrolled in the water authority's Customer Assistance Program (CAP) detect and fix leaks at no cost—but only while funds last.

How It Works

If you have received a high usage alert, you may be eligible for a free leak assessment. A licensed plumber will check common problem areas like toilets, faucets, and outdoor spigots. If leaks are found, a detailed report will be provided, along with information on approved plumbers who can make necessary repairs.

Who Qualifies?

Consumers can apply for CAP through the Department of Energy and Environment. Eligibility is determined by household income. Income guidelines can be found on DC Water's website.

Why Fix Leaks?

Fixing leaks promptly can prevent excessive charges on your water bill and save water. Addressing leaks also helps protect your home from potential damage caused by prolonged leaks, which can lead to expensive repairs. With rising water costs, it’s important to take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts.

Take Action

For more information, visit dcwater.com or call (202) 354-3600

Congresswoman

Eleanor Holmes Norton:

A Warrior on the Water Front 

As Women’s History Month ends, OPC recognizes DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. Serving in the House of Representatives since 1991, Norton is often described as the District’s “Warrior on the Hill.”

Recently, Congresswoman Norton was ranked “the 10th most effective House Democrat in the 118th Congress,” in a report released by the Center for Effective Lawmaking. Despite lacking a vote on the House floor, Norton has the longest streak of “exceeding expectations,” according to her office. The center, which is led by professors at the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University, defines effectiveness as the "proven ability to advance a member's agenda through the legislative process and into law."

OPC applauds Congresswoman Norton’s focus on environmental matters. On January 6, 2025, she announced victories for the District in key water legislation, including a Norton provision to fund a feasibility study for tapping a secondary drinking water supply for the metro area. 

The District is wholly dependent on the Potomac River for its drinking water, but natural or man-made events could render the river unusable for this purpose, according to experts. The federally owned and operated Washington Aqueduct produces drinking water from the river for DC and parts of Virginia. However, the aqueduct maintains only a single day of backup water supply. Other highly populated areas like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have a second source for drinking water. 

The water legislation also includes Norton provisions authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a feasibility study for ecosystem restoration, recreation, dredging, and sediment management of the Anacostia River and sea wall and a feasibility study to improve recreation by dredging Fletcher’s Cove.

Norton continues to work on making the Anacostia River more fishable and swimmable. The “Warrior on the Water Front” says: “The Anacostia River has long been a major priority for me…to continue the progress being made on cleanup of the river.”  

Employee of the

Month: Ade Adeniyi

Twice is Nice!

Ade Adeniyi has been with OPC for about 18 months, serving as an Assistant People’s Counsel in the Litigation Services Division. She is leading legal matters in Washington Gas’s rate increase cases. She also plays key roles in the gas company's pipe replacement program, Pepco grid modernization, and Pepco’s distribution system planning, among many other critical regulatory matters before the DC Public Service Commission.

Ade holds law degrees from the University of Lagos and Emory University. Her professional background includes experience in state and federal energy regulatory agencies as well as nationally ranked law firms.

The Madison, Wisconsin native enjoys listening to audiobooks. And talk about diving into books! Ade says she enjoyed going through law school twice because of her deep passion for learning. Ade’s eagerness and dedication to advocating for DC consumers make her a valuable addition to OPC. We are "double" thrilled to have Ade on board.

OPC is Advocating for Consumers in the

Following Cases:

Formal Case No. 1171: The Investigation into Community Renewable Energy Facility Practices in the District. 

On March 5, OPC filed Comments at the PSC on Pepco’s Initial Comments to Pepco’s Audit and Reconciliation Report.   

 Formal Case No. 1182: The Investigation into the Implementation of Integrated Distribution System Planning for Electric Utilities  

On March 17, OPC filed Initial Comments on the Notice of Inquiry into the Electric Utility Distribution System Planning and Integrated Distribution System Planning.

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.

Ward 4 Senior Bingo Event

Emery Heights Community Center

5701 Georgia Avenue NW

Thursday, April 3

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Photo Gallery

OPC Water Services Manager Antaeus Hayes and Consumer Services Director Linda Jefferson discuss energy assistance programs at a forum for District Government agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve people with disabilities, seniors, and their families. The Department of Health Care Finance hosted the event at One Judiciary Square.

OPC's Pamela Nelson shares news on solar energy programs at a meeting of the Ward 4 Mini Commission on Aging.

OPC’s Valca Valentine and Dawson Maillet, with Daniel Goodwin of the Mayor’s Services Liaison Office of DC Superior Court, join the 2025 Housing Expo at the H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse.

Below, OPC’s George Gilbert with Denise Williams of DC Child and Family Services at the Housing Expo.

Lon Walls, OPC Public Information Officer Doxie A. McCoy, Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, and Dr. Samuel E. McCoy attend the newspaper's 60th Anniversary Awards Gala. Rolark Barnes was among the recipients of the "Legacy Award," recognized for contributions to the city's cultural, historical, and business life.

OPC's Adam Carlesco speaks at the quarterly stakeholders meeting hosted by the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate.

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 McCoy, Phillip Harmon, Quaneisha Glover,

Chawndise Battle, Dwayne Houston, Alya Solomon, Valca Valentine



Contributors:



Sandra Mattavous-Frye, Karen Sistrunk, Laurence Daniels,

George Gilbert, Ankush Nayar, Kinteshia Scott, Claire Shibelski



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