PRESS RELEASE
December 19, 2017
OPC Closely Analyzing New $66 Million Pepco Rate Hike, People’s Counsel Will Press Utility to Justify Every Dollar of Request
Washington, D.C. – In a rate case filed today with the DC Public Service Commission (DCPSC), Pepco has requested a $66.2 million rate increase for its customers in the District of Columbia. Should the Commission approve this request as filed, the average monthly residential bill would increase by $7.54.
“As we do with every single rate case, the Office of the People’s
Counsel will aggressively advocate on behalf of District
consumers to ensure that any rate increase is based only on the
expenses necessary for Pepco to deliver safe and reliable
electric service and not boosted by unjustified company
spending,” said People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye.
One year ago, Pepco requested an $85.5 million increase in
distribution rates, its largest rate case in about 10 years. OPC’s
thorough analysis revealed Pepco was seeking to recover
operating expenses, including excessive perks for Pepco
executives that should not have been proposed for ratepayers to
shoulder. The 2016 request subsequently was reduced to $77.5
million, and based upon many of OPC’s recommendations the
DCPSC ultimately approved a $36.9 million increase in a July 24,
2017 order. Since 2008, the Commission has approved five
Pepco rate increases totaling almost $133 million.
“In these uncertain economic times, OPC will be especially vigilant
in protecting consumers in all eight wards of the District from unjust
rate increases,” said People’s Counsel Mattavous-Frye.
During the Pepco Holdings-Exelon merger proceedings, OPC
successfully fought for residential rates to be offset by a bill credit.
As a result, the distribution portion of DC residents’ electric bills
has not increased since April 2014. That could change however,
depending on a Commission ruling on today’s application
expected sometime toward the end of 2018. OPC will keep
consumers up-to-date through the proceedings as we vigorously
advocate on their behalf.
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Media Contact:
Doxie McCoy
Public Information Officer
(202) 261-1180
dmccoy@opc-dc.gov