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A Note from Your
People's Counsel
Sandra Mattavous-Frye
Will the “Big Beautiful Bill” Create Ugly Energy Bills?
OPC is assessing the impact of the sweeping federal funding bill that was signed into law in early June. But we already know the legislation eliminates or significantly curtails nearly every major clean energy tax credit and program created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These changes will directly impact the energy costs of District residents and businesses.
Among the most notable changes:
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The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which helped residents install insulation and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, will expire after 2025.
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The New Energy Efficient Home Credit, which supported energy-saving new housing construction, will expire after June 2026.
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The Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction will also be eliminated after June 2026.
- Credits for new and used electric vehicles, electric trucks, and commercial charging infrastructure will expire between September 2025 and June 2026.
Congress also rescinded funding for several programs that focused on reducing pollution and promoting clean energy in underserved communities. These include the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, Green and Resilient Retrofit Program,
Environmental Justice Grants, and Climate Pollution Reduction Grants.
For District residents, this means fewer federal incentives will be available in the coming years to help lower utility bills, reduce pollution, or invest in cleaner technology. Nonetheless, OPC remains committed to helping residents navigate this evolving policy landscape and will continue to advocate for local programs that prioritize affordable, clean, and equitable energy solutions.
We are planning to investigate the impact of the new laws on DC utility revenues. Traditionally, utilities had to refund the difference between the higher taxes they charged ratepayers under an old tax structure and what they would pay as a result of new tax cuts.
In the meantime, if you are planning a clean energy or efficiency upgrade, check with a tax advisor soon to determine whether federal incentives are still available before they expire.
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OPC Welcomes Transparency in Gas Rate Hike Plan
The DC Public Service Commission has scheduled an August 14 evidentiary hearing on the Washington Gas Light Company (WGL) request for a $45.6 million rate increase. If approved as proposed, residential customer rates would go up about $17 a month for average natural gas usage.
After WGL submitted its request on August 5, 2024, OPC conducted a thorough review of it and concluded if any rate increase is to be approved, it should be no more than $9 million. This recommendation is based on a detailed assessment of WGL's financial needs, the potential impact on consumers, and the need for just and affordable rates for low- and moderate-income ratepayers. In addition, OPC’s analysis identified several critical issues that require careful examination by the PSC.
A key point of contention is the Commission’s recent track record of not holding evidentiary hearings in rate cases that involve complex factual disputes. Evidentiary hearings are crucial as they provide a platform for all parties to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and ensure a transparent decision-making process. Given this context, OPC strongly advocated for the PSC to conduct a hearing in the WGL case.
In response to these concerns, the PSC directed all parties to submit a list of issues that should be addressed in an evidentiary hearing. On May 23, OPC and other stakeholders submitted comprehensive lists of issues to be considered.
As a result, the PSC has now scheduled an evidentiary hearing for Thursday, August 14. OPC believes the hearing will be a critical opportunity to discuss various issues that will influence the Commission’s final decision on the rates for natural gas service in the District of Columbia.
OPC will keep consumers informed on the proceedings, as the outcome will directly affect their utility bills.
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The Water Connection
Get Smart
When rain falls on hard surfaces like rooftops, driveways, and sidewalks, it creates stormwater runoff that carries pollutants such as litter, fertilizers, and pet waste into our rivers. This pollution harms local waterways, including the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers.
The Department of Energy & Environment’s (DOEE) RiverSmart Homes program helps DC residents fight stormwater pollution while improving their properties. Since 2009, the program has installed over 20,000 green features on residential properties, and you could be next!
Participants receive a free stormwater audit to determine eligibility for eco-friendly upgrades, including:
Rain Barrels –Collect rainwater for outdoor use ($50 each, two maximum)
Shade Trees – Free tree planting (no limit)
Rain Gardens – Install for $100 per 50 sq. ft. garden
BayScaping – Native plant gardens for $100 per 120 sq. ft.
Permeable Pavers – Rebates up to $6,000 for replacing hard surfaces with vegetation or pavers (select areas only)
These features reduce pollution, cut energy bills, prevent erosion, provide beautiful landscaping, and protect our rivers.
Who can apply?
All DC residential properties with four or fewer units are eligible. Renters can apply with the property owner’s consent.
OPC’s Water Services Division can connect you to this program. Go to RiverSmart to make your home part of the solution.
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The Solar Connection
Preparing for Home Electrification with Heavy-Ups
By Guest Contributor Ben Burdick
DCSEU Managing Director
Planning to install solar panels, switch to an electric heat pump, or add an electric vehicle/EV charger? If so, your older home may need a “heavy-up,” also known as an electric service upgrade, to safely support these modern upgrades.
A heavy-up increases the amperage, or electrical capacity, of your home’s system—typically from 100 to 200 amps. This allows your home to handle more electric load without overloaded circuits or safety hazards. The process usually involves upgrading your breaker panel, meter socket, and service cables.
You may need a heavy-up if you're replacing gas or oil heating with efficient electric alternatives, installing solar or battery storage, or adding an EV charger. Even if you're not making upgrades, signs like flickering lights or frequent breaker trips could mean your system is already overloaded. Insufficient electrical capacity can lead to tripped breakers, damaged appliances, and in severe cases, fire hazards.
Things to keep in mind: Heavy-ups are significant upgrades that require a licensed contractor and a DC Department of Buildings permit. They are also a big financial investment, but support is available.
How Can the DC Sustainable Energy Utility Help?
Rebates up to $3,200 off electric service upgrades are available when you’re switching from gas to electric and water heating--on top of up to $8,000 in rebates for heat pumps, and electric appliances like induction stoves. Residents at all income levels must apply for the rebates before September 30, 2025, for upgrades performed during the preceding 12 months. The upgrades can be free for income-qualified residents through the Affordable Home Electrification Program, including for a heavy-up or a new HVAC. Please note that all projects are approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Get started on a safer, cleaner, electrified home at dcseu.com/homes or call DCSEU at (202) 479-2222.
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Did You Know...
Who was the first People’s Counsel? What year was the DCPLUG Task Force formed? How much has OPC’s advocacy saved ratepayers? Who commissioned the first study on the potential for solar energy in the District of Columbia?
You can find the answers in “Currents of Change, OPC’s Journey to Protect Utility Consumers.” In case you missed it earlier this year, the Office of the People’s Counsel released a storybook that chronicles its history. Currents of Change marks OPC’s 50th anniversary as an independent agency of the District of Columbia Government.
We 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 Currents of Change on opc-dc.gov or by clicking on the cover above.
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Meet Our Summer Intern: Meghan Pullen
OPC is pleased to welcome Intern Meghan Pullen under the District's Summer Youth Employment Program. Meghan brings great energy and enthusiasm to our team. She says she is passionate about technology and public service; is fluent in French, and is a volleyball player.
Meghan recently earned her associate’s degree from the College of Southern Maryland and will continue her academic journey this fall at Drew University, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
OPC will provide an enriching experience for Meghan and looks forward to the contributions she’ll make during her time here!
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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, 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 and appearances.
Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George's
In the Ward 4 You Pop-up
Georgia Avenue & Emerson Street NW
Tuesday, July 29
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Federal City Alumnae Chapter
18th Annual Community Day
Southeast Tennis and Learning Center
701 Mississippi Avenue SE
Saturday, August 2
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Southwest Library
900 Wesley Place SW
Thursday, August 7
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Veteran Renters' Utility Rights
1500 Franklin Street NE
Thursday, August 14
10:30 am - 3:00 pm
Greater Washington Urban League Guild Community Health Fair
Ann Beers Elementary School
3600 Alabama Avenue SE
Saturday, August 23
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
3rd Annual Community Outreach Day
Zion Hill Baptist Church & Petworth Recreational Center
Petworth Playground
801 Taylor Street NW
Saturday, August 23
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
7th Annual Raymond & Tubman Elementary
Back to School Block Party
1400 Block of Park Road NW
Saturday, August 23
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency
Rhode Island Avenue NE
Tuesday, August 26
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
| | OPC joins Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (in dress) on pop-ups, where DC agencies inform Ward 4 neighbors about their services and resources. Cheryl Morse, above in red and below, represents OPC. | | Above, OPC's Jason Starks and CharQuia Barringtine with "Mr. Shieldy," and below with utility and DC government partners at Pepco's resource fair at the Salvation Army in Ward 8. | | |
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,
Naunihal Sigh Gumer, Linda Jefferson, Sheila Ruffin,
Ade Adeniyi, CharQuia Barringtine, Rusheeda Boyd, Adam Carlesco,
Yohannes Mariam, Cheryl Morse, Ankush Nayar, Pamela Nelson
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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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