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Securing Energy Resilience for All
PowerCentsDC
PowerCentsDC was a pilot program launched in 2008 in Washington, D.C., to test the impact of advanced metering infrastructure and dynamic pricing on consumer electricity usage. The program was a settlement provision offered by OPC and accepted by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in Formal Case No. 1002, a proceeding to examine the merger of Pepco and Conectiv into a subsidiary named New RC.
The PowerCentsDC program, which ran until summer 2009, offered approximately 900 participants three dynamic pricing plans: critical peak pricing, critical peak rebate, and hourly pricing. These plans were designed to encourage consumers to shift electricity usage to off-peak times, reducing overall energy consumption and improving grid reliability. Participants received comprehensive education and support, including access to a call center and in-home displays to assist with energy decisions. The program was highly successful, demonstrating significant reductions in peak demand and promoting energy efficiency. Notably, lower-income participants achieved electricity bill savings by reducing their energy consumption by up to 50% during peak times. OPC and other stakeholders were invited
to present the final results of the PowerCentsDC program to officials from the White House, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the National Institute for Science and Technology. The presentation focused on how education and ongoing support enabled consumers, particularly those with lower incomes, to effectively manage their energy usage.
D.C.’s Undergrounding
In 2012, former Mayor Vincent C. Gray formed a Power Line Undergrounding Task Force after a severe storm (a derecho) in 2012 caused prolonged power outages. D.C. City Administrator Allen Y.
Lew (deceased) co-chaired this task force with Pepco Board Chairman Joseph Rigby. People’s Counsel Mattavous-Frye was a voting member of this task force, which included Pepco, Washington Gas, the PSC chair, D.C. Council members, the District Department of Transportation, and citizen representatives.
