Author: OP-DC Staff Published: 3/31/2025 Office od the People’s Counsel
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Urgent Water Service Alert for Apartment Building Residents
OPC has learned DC Water has begun sending disconnection notices to tenants in apartment buildings where property owners have failed to pay water bills. If you have received one of these notices through no fault of your own, it is important to act immediately.
OPC is working with the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Tenant Advocate, and DC Water to avert these disconnections and protect tenants from losing water service because a landlord has not paid the bill.
What You Should Do:
- If you receive a water disconnection notice, contact OPC right away at (202) 727-3071.
- Please have a copy of your notice available when you call.
OPC is committed to ensuring that residents are not unfairly penalized for situations outside their control. Your water service is essential, and we’re here to help protect it. Don’t wait—call us as soon as you receive a notice. Stay informed and stay connected.
Time to Weigh in on Washington Gas Rates The DC Public Service Commission has announced a series of public hearings on Wa
The hearing schedule follows: April 10 Benning/Dorothy I. Height Library 3935 Benning Rd. NE 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm April 21 Petworth Neighborhood Library 4200 Kansas Avenue NW Meeting Room 1 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm April 29 Public Service Commission Hearing Room 1325 G Street NW, Suite 800 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm If you can testify in person, contact the Commission three days in advance of the hearing at which you wish to appear. Email your request to PSC-CommissionSecretary@dc.gov. Written statements can be uploaded to the Commission’s website. Be sure to reference Formal Case 1180. Persons requesting special accommodations for hearing, vision, limited English, or other assistance are asked to contact the Commission seven days in advance of your hearing of interest. Persons requesting translation services are asked to contact the Commission at least 5 days in advance. The number to call is (202) 626-5150. |
Steps to Take if Struggling with Utility Bills If you are a DC resident having a hard time keeping up with your gas, water, or electric bills, or have received a disconnection notice, here are a few critical steps to take. Contact the utility company directly to inquire about the options available to you. But note, you are not obligated to decide your next steps on the spot while speaking with a utility representative. Always ask for additional information and reach out to OPC for advice and guidance, if needed. Apply for available energy assistance programs through the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE): Utility Discount Program (UDP): You may be eligible for a discount on your water, electric, or gas bill. You could receive discounts of:
Up to $475 per year on your electric bills ($300 per year if you don’t have electric heat).
Up to $276 during the winter season on your gas bill. Over $962 annually on your water and sewer bills.
Visit here for more information or contact the utility company for more information about UDP. Arrearage Management Program (AMP): You may be eligible for debt forgiveness of up to $3,600 for your electric bill or $3,000 for your gas bill. To qualify, you must be enrolled in the Utility Discount Program for Pepco and Washington Gas. Contact Pepco or Washington Gas to see if you qualify for AMP. Budget Billing: Would you prefer a pre-arranged amount on your bills on a monthly basis? Contact Pepco or Washington Gas for an explanation of their program.
Payment Arrangements: Contact the utility company to see what options are available. You do not have to accept an arrangement that is unaffordable. Contact OPC if you have questions about payment arrangements.
Solar For All: DOEE administers a community solar program that comes at no cost to eligible applicants and expects to deliver energy bill savings. You can participate in this program even if you live in an apartment building or condominium. For more information and eligibility requirements, visit here. To apply for the Solar for All program, visit here.
Washington Area Fuel Fund: Washington Gas and The Salvation Army created the WAFF to help consumers pay winter heating bills. The program is accepting applications through May 31, 2025. For more information on the eligibility requirements, visit here, and to apply, visit here. OPC does not provide funds for paying utility bills directly but can refer you to social services agencies that have funding, give advice about the best options for you, investigate, and even litigate a utility issue on your behalf–all at no cost to you. Do not hesitate to call OPC at (202) 727-3071. |
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Meeting & Greeting the Community On March 20, OPC held its annual Community Briefing for Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANC) and the DC Federation of Civic Associations (DCFCA). The virtual meet and greet gave new members from each organization a chance to learn about OPC and meet the outreach specialists assigned to their respective wards. Staff shared the trends the agency is seeing among the utilities. OPC’s Litigation Division gave updates on approved and pending Pepco and Washington Gas rate increases. Other information highlighted concerns with third-party energy suppliers, flooding, and Washington Gas’s pipe replacement program. To continue the dialogue, OPC welcomes invitations to speak at ANC and civic association monthly meetings.
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The Water Connection DC Water Leak Assessment Program
Many DC residents face unexpectedly high water bills due to hidden leaks. To address this, DC Water created a Residential Leak Assessment and Repair Assistance Program to help eligible customers enrolled in the water authority’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP) detect and fix leaks at no cost—but only while funds last. How It Works If you have received a high usage alert, you may be eligible for a free leak assessment. A licensed plumber will check common problem areas like toilets, faucets, and outdoor spigots. If leaks are found, a detailed report will be provided, along with information on approved plumbers who can make necessary repairs. Who Qualifies? Consumers can apply for CAP through the Department of Energy and Environment. Eligibility is determined by household income. Income guidelines can be found on DC Water’s website. Why Fix Leaks? Fixing leaks promptly can prevent excessive charges on your water bill and save water. Addressing leaks also helps protect your home from potential damage caused by prolonged leaks, which can lead to expensive repairs. With rising water costs, it’s important to take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts. Take Action For more information, visit dcwater.com or call (202) 354-3600 |
