Author: PCDC Staff Published: 5/29/2026 Office of the People’s Counsel
May 2026
Alert! Electric Rates Going Up June 1
As alarmingly high Pepco rates continue to be the talk of the town, OPC is making sure consumers are updated on the latest developments affecting energy bills. That includes a rate increase scheduled to go into effect June 1. This rate hike results from increases in wholesale and distribution costs, including seasonal shifts from winter to summer rates when usage peaks during hot weather.
The average residential bill will climb by almost $9 a month. However, rates could have been lowered if the DC Public Service Commission had agreed to OPC’s request to reinstate rates that were in effect prior to January 2025, to abide by the recent DC Court of Appeals decision that made the current higher distribution rates null and void.
OPC also wants you to know the Commission has scheduled what they call a legislative style hearing on energy affordability next Wednesday, June 3, at 11 am at its offices at 1325 G Street NW. The hearing also will be streamed live on the PSC’s website.
This hearing results from OPC filing a petition in November 2025 calling on the Commission to open a comprehensive energy affordability proceeding to confront the crisis of skyrocketing utility bills. OPC’s petition followed the release of our groundbreaking affordability study, recommending that the PSC adopt a framework to measure how policy, infrastructure, and rate decisions impact DC households.
OPC will continue to update consumers on issues affecting your utility bills in this newsletter, on our website and on our social media platforms. Rest assured, OPC is working aggressively daily to ensure fair, just, and affordable rates for DC residents.
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OPC & Stakeholders Win Reconsideration of WGL Pipe Replacement Plan
OPC has scored a win for DC natural gas consumers in our effort to push safety and savings in Washington Gas Light’s pipeline replacement program. The “District SAFE Plan” is WGL’s third attempt to gain approval to recover from ratepayers massive costs for infrastructure upgrades to its pipeline distribution system. OPC and other advocates have repeatedly challenged the Public Service Commission’s procedures in this case. The following chronology explains how the parties arrived at the latest development for consumers in this decade long proceeding.
In 2014, the Commission approved the first five-year phase of WGL’s 40-year Revised Accelerated Pipe Replacement Plan to replace aging, leak-prone infrastructure at an estimated cost of $110 million.
In 2020, the Commission approved a three-year plan—PIPES 2, requiring WGL to address safety, reliability, and the District’s climate goals. The Commission extended PIPES 2 until June 30, 2026.
In 2024, after the Commission rejected WGL’s PIPES 3 application in Order No. 22003, WGL filed an application for the proposed District SAFE Plan, which claimed to target the replacement of certain vintage pipes and the recovery of the costs associated with the plan through a previously approved surcharge on consumer bills. OPC and other stakeholders requested the Commission dismiss the application, citing noncompliance with Order No. 22003 but the Commission declined to do so.
After the parties filed testimony and the Commission held a limited evidentiary hearing, the Commission issued a March 2026 order approving $150 million for a modified WGL plan. OPC requested the Commission reconsider that decision because WGL’s application was deficient and the Commission violated the parties’ due process rights.
On May 4, the Commission granted OPC’s request for reconsideration. Pending further proceedings, an evidentiary hearing is scheduled for June 29 and June 30.
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The Water Connection
OPC WSD Highlights Water Safety & Conservation
Having water awareness is about understanding the process and journey of water from distant sources to your tap. OPC’s Water Services Division (WSD) advocates, protects, and educates DC Water customers. Education adds a layer of protection for customers by ensuring their awareness of changes in policies, legislation, and rates.
With warmer months on the horizon, an increase in water usage may result in higher water bills. Assistance programs are available, but they are not as plentiful as in prior years. So, it’s increasingly more important to be proactive to lower your costs. Find information on DC Water’s proposed fiscal year 2027 and 2028 budgets and rate increases here.
Using water conservation practices such as checking for leaks can go a long way in keeping costs in line. The Department of Energy and Environment has rebates that also could help.
Water Safety Awareness
National Water Safety Month highlights the importance of safe practices for children and adults in and around water. Constant visual supervision and use of physical barriers such as self-latching gates or pool arms help keep children safe at the pool. The American Red Cross offers pool safety and water emergency tips. Visit here
If you need help reading your water bill or have a complaint, call OPC’s Water Services Division at (202) 727-3071 or file a complaint on opc-dc.gov. Contact DC Water customer service at (202) 354-3750.
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Join OPC and partners at this outreach event at Sadiq’s Peace Apartments (1429 22nd Street SE). Scan the QR code or click on the flyer to register
OPC is Advocating for Consumers in the following Cases:
Formal Case No. 1176: Pepco’s Application to Increase Rates through the Implementation of a Multiyear Rate Plan.
On April 27, OPC filed an Application for Reconsideration of Order No. 22806, reiterating its request for a refund of the Pepco rate increase paid by consumers since January 2025 based on the DC Court of Appeals finding that these rates are unlawful.
Formal Case No. 1182: Investigation into the Implementation of Integrated Distribution System Planning for Electric Utilities. On May 20, OPC filed a motion requesting the Commission direct Pepco to promptly file the proposed IDSP and Updated Planning Criteria Framework for Stakeholder Review and Input.
PC In Your Neighborhood
OPC welcomes opportunities to speak at your Advisory Neighborhood Commission, civic association, community group meeting or event. We can provide updates on utility issues, trends, and highlight how we serve DC consumers. Call (202) 727-3071 if your group would like our staff to make an in-person or virtual presentation. For virtual meetings, contact the organizer for sign-on information. Below are scheduled events and appearances.
Veteran’s Affairs Renter Rights
1500 Franklin Street NE
Thursday, June 4
10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Ward 4 Pop Up
Georgia Avene & Sheridan Street NW
Thursday, June 4
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
2nd Annual Health & Resource Fair
1501 Maryland Avenue NE
Saturday, June 6
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Glover Park Day
Guy Mason Recreation Center
3600 Calvert Street NW
Saturday, June 6
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Coffee and Conversation
Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library
3935 Benning Road NE
Wednesday, June 10
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
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