What You Should Know

opcdc on 06/04/2021

OPC’s Water Services Division (WSD) advocacy and assistance for consumers is stronger than ever. While the pandemic has triggered consumer requests to a high volume, the WSD Team is doubling efforts to meet the demand.
Mark your calendars for WSD’s 2-year Anniversary Event: Tuesday, April 27th . The 2PM virtual gathering will offer WSD updates, and expert presentations on utility assistance and flood prevention. If you are a ratepayer, the following updates may be news you can use:

DC Water’s Multifamily Assistance Program (MAP)

  • Funds are available for tenants who live in multifamily dwellings.
  • Tenants and property owners are eligible to apply for the program.
  • If you have questions or concerns about the program, please contact DC Water on (202) 354-3750 or Cares@dcwater.com.

Enactment of the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority Omnibus Amendment Act of 2020.

  • Customers will have 20 calendar days to dispute a bill from the bill issued date.
  • OPC’s contact information will be listed on water bills and on DC Water’s website.
WSD is here to help with water bill disputes, complaints or questions. Call WSD at (202) 727-3071 to speak to a specialist. Join the new OPC WSD List Serv to receive updates with an email to Water Services Division Manager Stephen Dudek at sdudek@opc-dc.gov.

DC Government Responding to COVID-19

opcdc on 04/28/2021

Mayor Bowser Announces Days...times... OPC Encourages Residents to Take Advantage of NEW COVID-19 Rent and Utility Assistance Program While Funds Are Available! To learn more about the STAY DC  program. With All DC Residents 16+ Becoming Eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine on April 19, Mayor Bowser Asks All DC Residents to Pre-Register for an Appointment: PR-EOM-4072021.pdf Utility Resources for District Residents During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/utilityhelp Coronavirus Data for March 25, 2021: https://mayor.dc.gov/release/coronavirus-data-march-25-2021 Mayor Bowser announces mortgage assistance for homeowners falling behind on payment due to the pandemic: https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-announces-relaunch-dc-mortgage-assistance-program-provide-covid-19-relief Need a Test? Get a Test: District Expands Free COVID-19 Testing at Firehouses Across DC: Need a Test? Get a Test: District Expands Free COVID-19 Testing at Firehouses Across DC

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Important details about the lifting of Mayor Bowser’s Stay-At-Home order.  The Public Health Emergency remains in effect and gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited…see other details about important government, health, and retail services. OPC Says New DC Council Relief Measures Will Help Utility Consumers Adjust to Higher Bills after COVID-19 Emergency: OPC Says New DC Council Relief Measures Will Help Utility Consumers Adjust to Higher Bills after COVID-19 Emergency Mayor Bower Announces Leadership of ReOpen DC Advisory Group: https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-announces-leadership-reopen-dc-advisory-group OPC Files Motion to Suspend Pepco Rate Case during Public Health Emergency: MotionToSuspendR-Ca_4132020.pdf Mayor Bowser Announces Social Distancing Delivery and Pickup Options for DC Medical Marijuana Patients: https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-announces-social-distancing-delivery-and-pickup-options-dc-medical-marijuana Mayor Bowser Launches Grocery Sites at DC Schools, Available to All Families: https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-launches-grocery-sites-dc-schools-available-all-families Mayor Muriel Bowser presents update regarding DC Government’s Coronavirus Response: COVID19-Situational-Update-Presentation-040820.pdf DC Health information for residents concerned about the COVID-19 virus: COVID-19_web_update-040320.pdf Mayor Bowser issues stay at home order for the District of Columbia: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-issues-stay-home-order FCC warns consumers about COVID-19 Telephone Scams: https://www.fcc.gov/covid-scams DC Attorney General Issues Consumer Alert (COVID – 19) Protecting District Seniors from Financial Exploitation and Abuse: DC_OAG_Consumer_Fraud_Alert.pdf Public Service Commission Shares Resources for Consumers During COVID-19 Emergency: DC_PSC_Resource_Prrl.pdf Mayor Bowser Announces Applications for DC Small Business Recovery Micro-grants and SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for those Impacted by the Coronavirus Outbreak are now available online: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/recovery-business DC Water Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, David L. Gadis, join leaders from 18 states in request to Congress to consider the impact of COVID-19 on communities across the nation: 03.24.20 water utility letter to congress DC Water to Restore Service to Disconnected Residents…more: https://www.dcwater.com/whats-going-on/news/dc-water-restores-water-service-disconnected-residents Washington Gas Suspends Disconnections, Waives Late Fees, Offers Payment Arrangements During Coronavirus Pandemic: https://www.washingtongas.com/media-center/coronavirus METRO Announces Service Changes in Response to COVID-19: https://www.wmata.com/about/news/COVID-19-Service-Update-3.cfm#main-content Mayor Bowser Extends Modified DC Operating Status: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-extends-modified-district-operating-status-and-prohibition-mass-gatherings Council Unanimously Passes Emergency COVID-19 Response Bill: https://dccouncil.us/council-unanimously-passes-emergency-covid-19-response-bill/ DC Issues Updated Health Advisory Regarding Mass Gatherings: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/release/mayor%E2%80%99s-order-2020-048-prohibition-mass-gatherings-during-public-health-emergency Mayor Bowser Orders a Prohibition Against Mass Gatherings, read the full order here: MO-Prohibition-on-Mass-Gatherings-During-Public-Health-Emergency.pdf Keep Up To Date on the Coronavirus within the DC Area… https://coronavirus.dc.gov/ During Modified DC Govt Operations These Services Remain Available: https://dc.gov/release/during-modified-dc-government-operations-many-services-still-operating

OPC Encourages Residents to Take Advantage of NEW COVID-19 Rent and Utility Assistance Program While Funds Are Available!

opcdc on 03/13/2021

Consumer Advisory

OPC Encourages Residents to Take Advantage of NEW COVID-19 Rent and Utility Assistance Program While Funds Are Available!

DC People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye wants consumers struggling to pay rent or utility bills due to the pandemic to know they now have more resources to call on. The Office of the People's Counsel commends Mayor Muriel Bowser for launching "Stronger Together by Assisting You" (STAY DC), a program funded with $350 million in targeted COVID-19 relief from the federal government.

To qualify for STAY DC, you must be a renter or housing provider in the District who is at risk, or has a tenant at risk, of not paying rent or utilities on a residential dwelling, and meet income eligibility requirements here. Renters whose landlords do not participate in the program or who normally make payments directly to utilities may be able to have assistance go straight to their utility companies.

Renters and housing providers can apply for rental and electric, gas and water bill assistance at stay.dc.gov, Applicants can call the STAY DC Call Center at 833-4-STAYDC for support throughout their application process, Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm.

“We know many consumers have been forced to make hard choices, often between food, medicine, paying the rent or utility bills and have fallen behind. STAY DC can help take the economic pressure off and give consumers a chance to catch up, but we must get residents to apply before the funding goes away,” stated People’s Counsel Mattavous-Frye.

See more details below.

PDF available for Download

PSC Response to COVID-19 Is Long Overdue

opcdc on 03/05/2021

On Thursday March 4th, ten months after OPC filed its petition requesting the DC Public Service Commission investigate ways to help consumers impacted by COVID-19, the PSC issued an order providing a few measures to assist utility consumers struggling to pay utility bills during the pandemic. People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye stated that “While the Public Service Commission has finally taken some action to protect consumers, I am disappointed that none of the measures provide immediate relief to consumers. Had the Commission taken action ten months ago, it would have been more effective in stemming the tide of over $43,000,000 in arrearages that have built up during the pandemic. The relief measures, which include some proposed by OPC, require the utilities to take the following three steps:
  1. Provide consumers with 45 days notice prior to disconnection of service. The notice can be sent once the Mayor lifts the public health emergency.
  2. requires Washington Gas Light to file a proposed arrearage management plan by April 19, 2021. An arrearage management plan is a debt relief program that allows consumers to make a set number of payments to the utility and have the balance of their arrearages written off.
  3. requires utility companies to offer 12-month payment plans to customers in arrears.
In addition to requiring the utilities to provide relief measures, the PSC also increased the eligibility requirements for the two low-income energy programs, Residential Essential Service for natural gas service and Residential Aid Discount for electric service, allowing more consumers to receive discounted utility service. “Considering the long-term impact of the pandemic on utility consumers I am also concerned that the Commission has not taken this opportunity to immediately convene a stakeholder forum to develop other relief measures. Complex public policy issues are developed through the process of stakeholders asking the right questions and using their expertise and resources to develop answers. Now, more than ever, a collaborative stakeholder process is needed. Sadly, the Commission has chosen to wait until after the public health emergency ends to begin this critical process. I remain committed to developing solutions and will continue to work with stakeholders to craft measures that will provide relief to consumers now," stated People’s Counsel Frye. PDF available for Download

Pepco’s Customer Base Rate Credit to Expire This Week. Residential Bills to Go Up

opcdc on 02/17/2021

Consumer Alert

Pepco's Customer Base Rate Credit to Expire This Week Residential Bills to Go Up

The Office of the People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia is alerting Pepco consumers that electric bills are going up as the Customer Base Rate Credit (CBRC) will expire this week.

The CBRC is a benefit OPC won for residential consumers as part of the Pepco-Exelon merger settlement. The CBRC has been used to offset rate increases in the distribution portion of residential bills for the last 5 years. The net savings to consumers over the 5-year period is $25.6 million. However, since credit funds have been exhausted, Pepco is adjusting customer bills to reflect an immediate increase. That means the average residential bill will increase about $1.37 a month in the upcoming billing cycle.

OPC recognizes that a higher electric bill can be a financial burden to households struggling from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, since the start of the crisis, OPC has urged consumers to take advantage of relief programs and payment plans. Currently, the District's public health emergency declaration prohibits utilities from disconnecting service due to non-payment. Nonetheless, OPC encourages consumers to pay what they can now, find out if they are eligible for utility financial assistance programs, and sign up for bill payment plans, so their bills won't be out of control when the moratoriums are lifted.

To learn more about bill payment assistance, contact OPC at (202) 727-3071 or info@opc-dc.gov

PDF available for Download

OPC Doubles Down in Opposing Pepco’s Multiyear Rate Hike Plans in PSC Filing

opcdc on 12/10/2020

The Office of the People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia has filed an initial brief stating the reasons why the DC Public Service Commission (PSC) should reject Pepco’s application to increase rates. In the brief filed yesterday, People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye reiterates OPC’s opposition to both of Pepco’s Multiyear Rate Plans (MRPs) which, if approved, would increase rates by $135.9 million or more by January 1, 2022. OPC recommends that the Commission, instead, decide this case based on Pepco’s traditional rate filing while implementing mitigation measures so that District ratepayers do not see the impact of any rate increase at this time. “The only winners in this case are Pepco and its shareholders,” the People’s Counsel says. “District ratepayers are hurting due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Pepco’s MRP proposals will only make the situation worse.” On April 24, 2020, the District’s Chief Financial Officer asserted it will take “most of calendar year 2021 for the economy to recover the ground that it has lost” with the unemployment rate peaking at 18%. It is inconceivable that District residents and businesses can withstand a rate increase of this magnitude amid the current economic climate. OPC’s brief thoroughly explains how approval of a three-year MRP would only serve Pepco’s interest and would weaken regulatory oversight. Pepco has claimed it will offer COVID-19 relief programs and “freeze rates” but only if the Commission approves one of the MRPs. Pepco has claimed that it is “freezing rates” for all customers until 2022, but if the Commission approves the MRP, commercial customers will see an immediate 60-70% increase in the volumetric portion of their bill. On January 1, 2022, residential customers will see a 26% increase in their distribution service charges, and another higher jump in 2023 when Pepco is done offsetting rates with the money it already owes back to customers. The rate increases will not end there, Pepco has also stated it intends to file another rate case in 2022. OPC is appalled that the company is misleading customers and giving ultimatums to the Commission. As noted by the People’s Counsel, “The Commission encouraged Pepco to investigate alternative ratemaking as a way to support the District’s modernization and climate goals, but neither of Pepco’s MRPs comes close to meeting the legal requirements for approval or helping the District reach its environmental goals, and they fail to serve the public interest of District ratepayers.” OPC’s brief explains that while Pepco claims its MRP proposals support the District’s climate and modernization goals, the Company has made no changes to its business model, and its proposals include no projects that would support these goals. If approved, these game-changing plans would amount to a three-year advance of capital to Pepco on the backs of ratepayers, less regulatory oversight and transparency, and limited opportunities to control Pepco overspending on projects. “I want consumers to know that throughout this 18-month-old case, marked by the challenges of COVID-19 and questionable behavior by Pepco, OPC has remained focused on ensuring that the rates charged for their electric service will be just and reasonable. I strongly urge consumers to make every effort to submit written comments opposing Pepco’s MRP to the Public Service Commission by the close of the record on December 23,” said People’s Counsel Mattavous-Frye.

DC PSC Denies OPC Request to Dismiss Pepco Rate Increase Case

opcdc on 09/25/2020

PSC Rejects Request to Dismiss Pepco's Application for Huge Rate Hike, A Decision OPC Predicts Will Lead to Negative Impacts for Consumers Already Struggling During Pandemic

Washington, DC - The Office of the People's Counsel reports that the Public Service Commission yesterday issued an order denying OPC's motion to dismiss Pepco's request to increase rates by $135.9 million. The denial of OPC's motion, which was supported by all the non-utility parties in this case, and numerous community advocates, signals the potential for two dismal future outcomes - one, if the Commission approves a huge rate increase, it will be based upon a constantly changing evidentiary record and two, Pepco can have just about anything it wants, both outcomes to the detriment of DC ratepayers. "Time and again throughout this case, Pepco has expressed a callous disregard for the impact of its shocking rate increase request and the reality of the unprecedented economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumers. In reaching its decision, the Commission allows Pepco to continue its tactics and ratepayers pay the price," said People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye. "There is more than ample basis to dismiss Pepco's rate application and require the company to re-file its case. Instead of dismissing the case, the Commission is ordering OPC and the other parties to continue to address Pepco's fundamentally-flawed proposals on a shortened timeline. If rates are increased based on this record, consumers will not only be paying much higher rates,but I fear consumers will lose confidence in this Commission's ability to be an impartial regulator," the People's Counsel said. If one of Pepco's multiyear rate plans is approved as proposed, the average residential bill could go up by $103 in the first year of the rate plan. Despite the disappointing outcome of this decision, OPC will continue to advocate for consumers' rights to reasonable rates and for COVID-19 relief measures that are not tied to granting Pepco a huge rate increase. The PSC has scheduled a virtual community hearing on next Tuesday, September 29 at 2 p.m. Consumers who want to voice their opinion on this case can submit comments online here, or email: PSC-CommisionSecretary@dc.gov until the close of the hearing record. Reference: Formal Case No. 1156. You also can contact OPC at (202) 727-3071 or info@opc-dc.gov for more information or technical assistance with written testimony. Media Contact: 

Doxie McCoy Public Information Officer (202) 731-9152 dmccoy@opc-dc.gov

OPC Calls Washington Gas Rate Hike Proposal Excessive & Lacking Key Support for DC Climate Action Goals

opcdc on 08/14/2020

Washington, DC - In testimony filed today before the DC Public Service Commission (PSC), People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous Frye opposes Washington Gas Light's request for a $35.2 million rate increase, $9.1 million of which are increases stemming from the company's PROJECTpipes accelerated gas pipeline replacement program. Should the Commission approve this request, it would increase the average residential bill by almost $13 per month. "An increase of this magnitude would further exacerbate the utility energy burden consumers are coping with during the COVID-19 pandemic," said the People's Counsel. "WGL's proposed rate increase is excessive, improperly shifts the company's business risk to its ratepayers and otherwise seeks rate increases in connection with PROJECTpipes despite lackluster performance and uneven benefits for consumers." After a thorough review of the utility's 1,600-page application, and engaging in an aggressive campaign to force Washington Gas to provide full and accurate information to support its proposals, OPC has determined that the proposed rate increases and plans are not in the public interest because they: (1) increase customer bills by almost 17%; (2) unfairly shift business risk from WGL to its ratepayers through its Revenue Adjustment Mechanism, that allows WGL to recover lost revenues due to decreases in gas sales resulting from energy efficiency or warmer winter weather; (3) seek recoupment of costs for operation of the PROJECTpipes accelerated pipeline replacement program that has not given ratepayers measurable benefits; and (4) show no evidence of true support of the District's climate action goals during the test year. OPC has further determined that WGL is entitled to no more than $6.5 Million in additional revenues. "OPC has, and will continue to vigorously oppose any utility proposal that harms consumers and does not clearly advance the District's environmental goals and modernization policies," said People's Counsel Mattavous-Frye. OPC will educate consumers about the details of Washington Gas Light's proposal and OPC's position through virtual outreach events in all wards of the city. Consumers who want to voice their concerns or positions in this case can do so by submitting comments online here or via mail to: Commission Secretary, Brinda Westbrook Sedgwick, Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia,1325 G Street NW, Suite 800. Attn: Formal Case No. 1162. You also can contact OPC at (202) 727-3071 or  info@opc-dc.gov.

OPC warns consumers; “Don’t Believe the Rate Case Hype”

opcdc on 07/26/2020

Consumer fact sheet

Myths and the Facts About Pepco’s Request To Implement A Multiyear Rate Plan And Increase Electric Distribution Rates (DC PSC Formal Case No. 1156)

 

PDF available for Download

On May 30, 2019, Pepco filed for a $162 million rate increase  with the DC Public Service Commission requesting that the Commission abandon its current method for setting rates and instead authorize a multiyear rate plan (MRP) that would allow Pepco to set rates using  forecasted costs to cover the Company’s costs for 2020, 2021 and 2022.  OPC reviewed Pepco’s original plan and concluded that Pepco’s request, including its MRP, should not be approved as filed. The emergence of the COVID-19 emergency further exacerbated the deleterious impact Pepco’s plan would have on District ratepayers as they faced health issues and skyrocketing unemployment.   OPC, AOBA, the District Government and GSA requested the PSC suspend the hearing during the emergency. The PSC denied the request but asked all parties to file comments detailing the impact of COVID-19 on their cases.

In response, Pepco unilaterally submitted a new MRP and reduced its request to    $135.9 million.   The new proposal, however, contains numerous provisions that parties to the case have not reviewed, nor would they have an opportunity to do so under the current procedural schedule.  OPC and the other parties filed a Motion to Strike and Request for Summary Judgement to protect the public’s due process rights and ensure the public’s right to a transparent evidentiary record. The PSC denied our Motion but will entertain responsive testimony from the parties.

Rate cases are by definition complex. Pepco’s multi-year rate plan raises the level of complexity to exponential levels. This is not the time or case  to circumvent the regulatory process and compromise adequate review by OPC and the parties. Reducing the inflated rate increase and delaying the impact of the increase, notably using ratepayer money, is by no means beneficial to ratepayers. A thorough analysis of Pepco’s new plan will protect the integrity of the regulatory process.

 

Myths and Facts of FC 1156:

Myth # 1: Pepco’s reduction of its proposed rate request from $162 to $135 million and return on equity from 10.3 percent to 9.7 percent is reasonable.
Fact: • Pepco’s original request was over-inflated and higher than any rate increase ever approved by the Commission.
Myth # 2: Pepco is proposing to freeze customer energy delivery rates until 2022.
Fact: • Pepco is not freezing rates. If the Pepco’s new MRP is approved, rates will go up by $135.9 million between 2020 and 2022. Pepco appears to be proposing to offset the rate increase in 2020 and 2021 by accelerating the return of certain funds Pepco owes its customers - customers will still pay for the rate increase, but with money owed to them that Pepco already has in its bank. • Pepco also plans to file for another rate increase in 2022. If Pepco’s new proposal is approved as submitted, in 2023, customers will be subject to the $135.9 million rate increase from this proposal and whatever rate increase comes out of the next proposal the Commission approves.
Myth # 3: Pepco’s MRP needs to be approved to get the proposed customer protections.
Fact: • Pepco’s proposed customer assistance programs have no relation to an MRP. Regardless of how its rates are set, Pepco can and should work with stakeholders to implement customer assistance programs such as modifying arrearage management programs and extending payment plans beyond the 12-month schedule that Council legislation requires.
Myth # 4: Pepco has not raised rates since 2014.
Fact: • Pepco’s rates have changed twice since 2014, but customer bills have been protected because OPC negotiated a customer base rate credit (CBRC) as part of the merger settlement. In 2017, due to OPC’s advocacy, the Commission approved less than half of Pepco’s requested $85.5 million rate increase. In 2018, Pepco requested a $66.2 million increase, but OPC negotiated a $24.1 million decrease in Pepco’s rates and an increase to the CBRC.
Myth # 5: Pepco has drastically reduced its rate increase request in consideration of the COVID 19 pandemic impacts on the District.
Fact: • Pepco has revised its request several times over the course of the proceeding. It is currently requesting either a $147.2 (original proposal) or $135.9 million (June 1, 2020 proposal) rate increase.
Date Pepco’s Requested Increase
Initial Application, 5/30/2019 $162 million
Supplemental Testimony, 9/16/2019 $160 million
Supplemental Testimony (by PSC Order), 2/20/2020 $157.9 million
Rebuttal Testimony 4/8/2020 $147.2 million
Enhanced MRP 6/1 2020 $135.9 million
Myth # 6: Pepco’s June 1 proposal is merely an enhancement of its earlier proposal.
Fact: • Pepco’s June 1’s MRP is radically different than its earlier proposal. Ratepayers and the public have a right to investigate and comment on the utility’s applications in its entirety. PSC Order No. 20368 will permit OPC and the intervenors to submit additional testimony on the new filing.
Myth # 7: 39 states have adopted a plan similar to Pepco’s.
Fact: • Only 17 states have one or more utilities with an MRP, and none of those plans are like either of Pepco’s plans. •39 states, including the District, have adopted alternative ratemaking mechanisms, including various surcharges that help utilities recover revenue faster. For example, Pepco has benefited from the bill stabilization adjustment which allows Pepco to charge customers more if the Company does not collect its expected revenue. Pepco also has a surcharge mechanism to collect powerline undergrounding (DC PLUG) costs.
Myth # 8: Pepco’s proposal supports the District’s environmental and climate objectives.
Fact: • Pepco has provided no evidence that its original or its amended plan will support these objectives. OPC and DOEE witnesses have found that the plan does not support a cleaner, smarter, sustainable environment or otherwise advance the District’s ambitious environmental and climate action goals.
Myth # 9: Pepco is like other commercial businesses.
Fact: • Pepco is not like other commercial businesses – Pepco is a regulated company. The Company’s ratepayers pay all of the Company’s cost of providing service and its shareholders can earn a 9.5% return on their equity investments.
Myth # 10: Pepco’s MRP provides long-term benefits to consumers.
Fact: • Pepco has not demonstrated any long-term benefits to consumers from its MRP. Short term benefits do not suffice.
Myth # 11: Pepco’s philanthropic contributions are substantial.
Fact: • Pepco’s charitable contributions have no bearing on the merits of this rate proceeding.

OPC will keep consumers up-to-date on this case.   Contact OPC at (202) 727-3071 or info@opc-dc.gov for more information.

Water Services Division Progress Report Highlights OPC’s Success in Serving DC Water Consumers

opcdc on 07/15/2020

Washington, DC -- The Office of the People's Counsel for the District of Columbia today released the "OPC Water Services Division 2019-2020 Progress Report," which documents the numerous benefits OPC has provided to water consumers since becoming the statutory representative for DC Water ratepayers in April 2019. "Prior to April 11, 2019, DC Water consumers lacked an independent advocate to voice their concerns about disconnections, high bills, water leaks, and other issues. They also lacked a viable place at the table when rate increases were considered," said People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye. "Since OPC came onboard, DC Water customers have received tangible benefits. Our continuing work is especially important now as residents adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and water is needed as a life-saving protection." April 11, 2020 marked the one-year anniversary of the DC Water Consumer Protection Amendment Act of 2018, the law that gave OPC the authority to represent DC water customers and led to the creation of the Water Services Division of OPC. The Progress Report cites examples of WSD's accomplishments. During its first year OPC:
  • Addressed more than 450 consumer complaints
  • Negotiated more than $45,000 in bill credits to consumers
  • Prompted DC Water to increase transparency in its operations
  • Worked on legislation giving low-income residents access to more bill payment assistance
The OPC Water Services Division 2019-2020 Progress Report is available here. With this release, OPC is launching #WaterWednesdayWisdom, a periodic series of digital messages that will inform consumers about WSD initiatives, educational information and industry trends.

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Media Contact: Doxie McCoy Public Information Officer (202) 261-1180 dmccoy@opc-dc.gov
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