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Pepco’s mishandling of community solar was an obstacle to D.C.’s carbon emissions reduction goals,
a clean energy transition, and the Solar for All program. It was a hindrance for consumers, especially those with low incomes, to transition to clean energy as required by law.40 Ultimately, the PSC held Pepco accountable for violating solar program management regulations and required Pepco to refund approximately $800,000 to ratepayers. Pepco opposed the refund amount, so the PSC ordered an audit to determine the correct amount.
Senior Outreach and Working with AARP:
the Office on Aging, and the Commission on Aging
Many ratepayers, particularly seniors, are vulnerable to the deceptive practices of some TPSs. To combat this problem, OPC — through a D.C. Council mandate — conducted an outreach and education initiative in 201641 that targeted senior utility consumers who were experiencing service issues. Armed with information that the senior consumers provided, OPC presented its findings to the PSC and launched a Senior Outreach, Awareness and Energy Efficiency Education campaign for the senior community. These educational efforts covered critical elements of consumer protection, such as TPS red flags, utility scams, energy efficiency, clean energy alternatives, and solar adoption.
Romaine Thomas, a former three-term chair of the D.C. Commission on Aging and leader of AARP Retired Educators of America, emphasized the importance of organizations like OPC that act with “compassion, commitment, and creativity” in their efforts to protect seniors and help them understand utility regulations. Herbert Jones of AARP, a former OPC outreach manager, also officially recognized OPC’s comprehensive senior education program, acknowledging its role in safeguarding seniors from scams and ensuring they have necessary information about utility services.