Author: Kellie Armstead Didigu, Public Affairs Specialist: Email: kdidigu@psc.dc.gov Office:  202-626-5124   Released: December 18, 2018

“The Office of the People’s Counsel commends DC Council passage of the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act and strongly supports its goals. As Councilmembers have stated, there are many moving parts to the bill, some of which remain a concern. However, I am pleased that since the first vote, OPC’s concerns about the bottom line’s impact on consumers’ utility bills were heard. Going forward as the advocate for consumers, OPC will work to ensure that any transition to a cleaner energy future does not require that District ratepayers bear unfair financial burdens. OPC recognizes the urgency in acting now to address climate change for future generations but at the same time keeping utilities affordable must be at the forefront of all initiatives. The challenge is how to balance these competing objectives. OPC is prepared to work with the Council and stakeholders to meet that challenge.

“OPC also is pleased that the Council has passed the DC Water Consumer Protection Amendment Act, which grants OPC the authority to represent District residents in DC Water matters. OPCappreciates the Council’s confidence in the Office’s ability to expand its mission to now advocate, educate and protect DC Water consumers.”