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Building a Foundation of Consumer Rights
02
On September 26, 1974, William Stratton,
the former chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), appeared before the
House District Committee with a sincere plea that echoed the mounting apprehensions of the city’s residents: “Consumer concern with rising utility bills has prompted this hearing,”
he declared. He reminded Congress of its responsibility to regulate utilities while holding the public interest in trust. Stratton spoke because he recognized that the environment was shifting and that the utilities and customers who used them were facing dramatic changes.
His words before the House District Committee were heavy with the weight of a profound truth:
1975 OPC is re-established as an independent agency within the D.C. government. Annice Wagner is appointed the first People’s Counsel.
“Most Americans must depend on a power company to provide them with electricity and a gas or oil company to provide them with home heating fuel. The consumer has virtually no opportunity to shop around for this basic commodity.”10
Congress took decisive action in response to the call of the people. They understood the urgency and signed into law 88 Stat. 1975, Public Law 93-614, resurrecting the Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC). This move marked a turning point in the fight for fair utility rates. On January 2, 1975, OPC became an independent agency within the District of Columbia government.
1987 OPC gains budget autonomy from the PSC, enabling its ability to retain qualified experts to fight for ratepayers.
Brian Lederer is appointed the second People’s
Counsel. Consumer Utility Board is established 1977 with a grant from the Department of Energy.
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