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A New Open Market for Utilities
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D.C. residents in the 1970s were the beneficiaries of thriving businesses and a renewed urban landscape — a promising development for the city. Yet they were also subject to escalating electricity costs and the effects of gentrification. While some would describe D.C.’s growth as
a renaissance, the underbelly of this progress wrought ugly effects: Vulnerable communities were displaced and marginalized, and violent crime rates surged. A shadow lingered over the city’s progress.
Electricity costs had reached alarming levels by July 1979 — from $35.87 to $45.72 in just a year.13 Several factors contributed to this increase,
such as the unprecedented heat index drove higher energy consumption, which in turn led electric utility companies to introduce summer surcharges during peak demand periods. On
top of this, fuel costs rose too, which had an effect on both gas and electricity services. It is no surprise that the brunt of these cost increases affected those who were under-resourced and discriminated against.
1984 Fredrick D. Dorsey is appointed the third People’s Counsel in 1984. Bell Atlantic Company is formed after AT&T divests from local operating companies.
1991 Elizabeth A. Noel is appointed the fourth People’s Counsel
in 1991 and serves in that capacity for 18 years.
2016 Pepco/Exelon merge, creating the largest electric
utility conglomerate in the nation.
The utility market is deregulated. Multiple suppliers enter the local D.C. utilities market, intensifying competition. Consumers face a risk of high rates
D.C. adopts Utility Consumer Bill of Rights to safeguard consumer rights amid changes. It is revised in 2009 to account for technological
1979 advances.
1987 and poor service.
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