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The storm exposed the city’s energy infrastructure vulnerabilities and highlighted the importance of creating a more resilient infrastructure that protects consumers and provides the services they need when they need them. The task force proposed the DC PLUG initiative in response, an initiative that then- Mayor Gray called “a game changer” for the District’s energy landscape.
Education and information dissemination were crucial for a successful DC PLUG implementation. To meet this challenge, OPC utilized its outreach program to inform and educate consumers about the initial plan and the coming changes. OPC’s outreach staff met with the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, community leaders, and other constituents and hosted events at various community locations, including places of worship, community centers, and schools, to engage the community and earn its buy-in.
DC PLUG was going to cost, but OPC endeavored to maximize the benefits and minimize the costs
to consumers. One way OPC advocated for program cost effectiveness was by working to ensure
that customers who were receiving Pepco’s Residential Aid Discount would not pay into the DC PLUG initiative’s costs.
OPC also participated on the Underground Project Consumer Education Task Force, which Mayor Muriel Bowser established in 2015 to supplement the initial DC PLUG Consumer Education Plan. As a part of the amended initiative, Pepco was directed to file a biennial plan for 2017-2018, which included the DC PLUG Education Plan and a commitment to contract with local businesses and train and hire District residents.
DC PLUG was not the only transformative initiative in which the Office played a pivotal role. In 2013, the Community Renewable Energy Amendment Act32 was signed into law, enabling the development of community renewable energy facilities at the distribution system level. In 2016, the Renewable Portfolio Standard Expansion Amendment Act33 elevated renewable standards so that the District could pursue a greener and more resilient energy future. These legislative milestones marked significant progress toward a more sustainable energy future.
Dr. Robert Stiehler
In Memoriam
Remembering OPC’s dedicated lay consumer advocates whose tireless efforts amplified our fight to protect D.C.’s ratepayers.
Col. George Rick Haley Powell