OPC Field Investigation Resolves

High Bill Complaint

When a consumer has concerns about an unusually high utility bill, OPC stands ready to get to the bottom of it. Recently, in response to a Ward 5 resident’s complaint about elevated electric bills, OPC conducted a site visit, as part of an ongoing investigation to determine whether the customer’s electric meter was accurately recording usage.

OPC consumer outreach and engineering staff joined Pepco field technicians and a Public Service Commission compliance officer to investigate the complaint. Pepco and the Commission had conducted a meter test on an earlier site visit. However, OPC’s evaluation of the results and communications with the consumer warranted a follow-up visit to get to the root cause of the consumer’s complaint. (OPC’s Engineer Jason Cumberbatch and Consumer Outreach Specialist Jean Gross-Bethel are lower left below.)

This case highlights the need for consumers to pay close attention to their utility bills to detect anything out of the ordinary and reach out to OPC should they have concerns. In addition to reviewing billing records, OPC can conduct onsite investigations when technical issues are suspected. These field visits help ensure that meters are accurately recording usage, and connected to the appropriate residence.

OPC is here to help consumers navigate complex utility issues and work toward fair outcomes. As this case shows, investigation and advocacy can make a difference.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes,

OPC Weighs In on DC’s Energy Future

OPC recently filed comments with the DC Public Service Commission in Formal Case No. 1187, responding to questions about how Washington Gas Light (WGL) should plan for the future of the District’s natural gas system. This case is important in shaping how energy infrastructure decisions are made and how those decisions affect residents’ bills, safety, and long-term affordability.

OPC emphasized that long-term gas system planning must reflect the District’s climate laws and changing energy use, including the growing shift toward electric heating and appliances. Gas infrastructure investments often last decades, so if utilities continue replacing natural gas pipes and equipment without accounting for the potential of declining gas demand, customers risk being burdened with the costs of infrastructure that becomes unnecessary or underused over time.

A central focus of OPC’s comments is the need for coordination between WGL and Pepco. As more homes and buildings electrify, decisions made by one utility directly affect the other. Planning for gas and electric systems separately can lead to duplicative investments, higher costs, and missed opportunities to save customers money. OPC has urged the Commission to ensure that both utilities’ planning is meaningfully aligned and support District electrification plans and programs.

OPC also stressed the importance of transparency and data quality. To evaluate whether investments are truly needed, the PSC and stakeholders must have access to consistent, reliable information about pipeline conditions, system usage, and neighborhood-level energy trends. Without this information, it is difficult to assess whether alternatives (e.g., targeted electrification, non-pipeline solutions) could meet safety and reliability needs at lower costs.

Finally, OPC highlighted the importance of public engagement, especially for low-income and underserved communities that are most affected by rising utility costs. We will continue advocating for a coordinated, data-driven, and inclusive planning process that protects consumers, avoids unnecessary spending, and supports a reliable and affordable energy transition for the District.

The Water Connection

Preparing for DC’s Rainiest Season

Late April marks the beginning of the rainy season that runs through August here in the nation’s capital. While most of our heaviest rainfall on record tends to happen around the summertime, it is never too early to prepare for the wettest time of year. Many of the areas adjacent to our river systems are at or just above sea level so it is important to remain vigilant and prepared for heavy rains. Staying prepared for an emergency and focusing on sustainability are two ways residents can weather the impending storms.

First, OPC’s Water Services Division wants you to be aware of important resources. DC Water has an online portal available for consumers to report flooding. Flood complaints can also be reported via email at floodcomplaints@dc.gov or by calling (202) 442-7828. Reporting flooding hot spots allows DC Water to stay abreast of the latest incidents in times of emergency.

Secondly, RiverSmart Homes is a Department of Energy and Environment program that assists residents with the installation and maintenance of rainwater-collection systems. These systems are not only forward-looking, environmentally-wise, but rainwater collection also can lessen your permeable and pervious area square footage, reducing your water bill.

Rainwater collection and emergency flooding preparation are two ways consumers can stay “afloat,” and survive the rainy season.

The Partner Connection

DCSEU Turns 15

The DC Sustainable Energy Utility is an OPC partner in efforts to help consumers stay on top of advancements in the energy and utility arena and benefit from them. DCSEU is celebrating 15 years of serving District residents.

The DCSEU, which operates under contract with the DC Department of Energy and Environment, was formed by the DC Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008. The DCSEU advances the District’s energy and climate goals by delivering community-based initiatives such as the DC Solar for All program.

Over the last 15 years, DCSEU programs have increased consumer access to electrification options, energy efficiency and greater affordability. Through the investment of $360 million, DCSEU estimates that it has returned savings of $2.2 billion to DC utility consumers. In addition, the DCSEU has brought home based solar energy to over 4,000 residents in all 8 Wards, invested $99 million in local certified business entities, trained over 300 residents for energy-related jobs, while also investing $120 million in programs for low-income communities.

Services through the DCSEU are free or at a reduced cost and include home energy audits, energy efficiency upgrades, and HVAC and appliance rebates.

OPC encourages you to contact the DCSEU to learn about programs available to fit your needs as a homeowner, renter, small business or non-profit. Savings may be coming your way!

Following Cases:

Formal Case No. 1179: Investigation into Washington Gas Light Company’s Strategically Targeted Pipe Replacement Plan. On April 3, OPC filed an Application for Reconsideration and Request for Clarification.

Formal Case No. 1176: Pepco’s Application to Increase Rates through a Multiyear Rate Plan. On April 27, OPC filed an Application for Reconsideration.

Formal Case No. 1187: Investigation into the Implementation of Integrated Natural Gas Distribution System Planning.

On April 20, OPC filed Comments in Response to PSC Questions posed in Order No. 22799.

OPC In Your Neighborhood

OPC welcomes opportunities to speak at your Advisory Neighborhood Commission, civic association, community group activity, or meeting. We can give 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. These are scheduled events and appearances.

Bread for the City

1700 Marion Barry Avenue SE

Thursday, May 7

9:00 am – 2:30 pm

Jobs Have Priority, Inc

810 Potomac Avenue SE

Friday, May 8

10:00 am – 2:30 pm

Coffee and Conversation

Dorothy I. Height/Benning Neighborhood Library

3935 Benning Road NE
Wednesday, May 13

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

 2026 Wellness & Art Fair

Leckie Education Campus

4201 Martin Luther King, Jr Avenue SW

Wednesday, May 27

4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Photo Gallery

OPC’s Adam Carlesco, Claire Shibelski, Antaeus Hayes, and Valca Valentine speak to the Ward 4 Mini-Commission on Aging about the work of the OPC Water Services Division that benefits senior consumers. OPC’s Jean Gross-Bethel is below upper right.

OPC’s Chawndise Battle behind our table of valuable utility information and giveaways at Mayor Bowser’s 10th Annual Spring Cleanup at Garrison Elementary School in Northwest.

OPC’s Valca Valentine at the Go-Go Museum Community Health Fair in Anacostia with Ron Moten, museum founder. There, she emphasized the importance of access to affordable and reliable utilities to maintain good health and provided tips to save energy and money on utility bills.

Connect With OPC!

Do you have feedback or an idea for an article that could be featured in an upcoming edition of the OPC Connection? We want to hear from you! Just drop our editorial team an email @ info@opc-dc.gov or X/tweet us @DCOPC.

OPC Connection Editorial Team:

Doxie McCoy, Phillip Harmon, Quaneisha Glover,

Chawndise Battle, Dwayne Houston,

Getahun Seyoum, Alya Solomon, Valca Valentine

Contributors:

Karen Sistrunk, Laurence Daniels, Linda Jefferson,

Adam Carlesco, Jason Cumberbatch,

Jean Gross-Bethel, Cheryl Morse, Pamela Nelson

www.opc-dc.gov | info@opc-dc.gov