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Utility Improvements Causing Negative Impact:
Pepco Construction Investigation
In 2021, OPC received numerous complaints from homeowners in Takoma Park, particularly along Eastern Avenue, NW, regarding damage allegedly caused by nearby Pepco construction work. Approximately 18 homeowners sought damages and raised concerns about noise and vibrations coming from the construction site. Despite previous attempts to resolve issues with Pepco and making efforts to contact the media for help, homeowners were left unsatisfied.
OPC acted by hiring an engineering firm to investigate the damage reports independently. Based on the engineering investigation’s findings, OPC filed a petition with the PSC on October 14, 2021, to investigate whether Pepco adhered to proper construction practices, address potential cost allocation to ratepayers, and establish protocols to prevent future damage in Takoma Park38 and other neighborhoods.
Pepco countered this petition by stating that the construction was part of the Capital Grid Project and requested that the PSC dismiss the petition. Ultimately, on April 7, 2022, the PSC declined to initiate an investigation into Pepco’s construction practices, citing the company’s claim that qualified firms that follow industry standards conducted the work and suggesting that the evaluation of construction cost allocation should occur in a rate increase case evaluation. OPC continues to monitor the number and frequency of construction-related complaints and intends to make consumer losses an issue the PSC should consider when Pepco requests a rate increase.