The DCPSC has launched its “Fight Utility Scams” website to equip utility consumers with information about individuals impersonating utility representatives over the phone, online or in-person. These scammers frequently threaten residents and business owners with disconnection of service if they don't pay them immediately.
With the increase in reported scams, the DCPSC has created an online consumer assistance resource and guide that provides information on how to fight utility scams and what to do if they’ve been targeted by a scammer. The website is a one-stop shop for consumer tips, news and community resources.
Throughout the year, the DCPSC will continue to highlight the most common scams and tactics scammers use to steal money and personal information from utility customers.
To learn how to avoid scams and to stay current on information, visit www.dcpsc.org/FightUtilityScams
The DCPSC has approved a pilot program to assist seniors and disabled residents with their monthly payments. Seniors and individuals with disabilities may be eligible to receive a $7.50 credit each month on their Pepco bill.
To be eligible for the credit, applicants must be receiving either the D.C. Homestead Deduction or the Senior Citizen/Disabled Property Tax Reduction, and do not receive the Pepco Residential Aid Discount (RAD).
Enrollment is automatic and the credit will appear on their Pepco bill beginning January 1, 2020 and will continue each month. If you are eligible for the credit and it doesn't appear on your bill, contact Pepco’s Energy Assistance Team.
For more information, please contact the DCPSC’s Office of Consumer Services at 202-626-5120 or Pepco’s Energy Assistance Team at 202-496-5830.
The DCPSC held a community hearing on Pepco and the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) Joint Application requesting approval of the Second Biennial Underground Infrastructure Improvement Projects Plan (Plan), Formal Case No. 1159. Pepco and DDOT provided updates about DC PLUG and the Office of the People's Counsel offered remarks. The community hearing can be viewed on the DCPSC website.
The Plan identifies ten electric distribution feeders that are currently overhead, all or parts of which Pepco and DDOT propose to place underground as part of the District of Columbia Power Line Undergrounding (“DC PLUG”) project. These 10 feeders are located in District Wards 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8.
DC PLUG is a multi-year program designed to migrate up to 30 of the District’s most vulnerable overhead distribution lines underground, taking place over six to eight years. DC PLUG is a joint effort between the DCPSC, the Office of the Mayor, the City Council, Pepco, DDOT and other government agencies to improve the electric service reliability and reduce the impact of storm-related outages in the District.
For additional information about DC PLUG visit https://dcpluginfo.com/.
The DCPSC has approved construction for Phase II of Pepco’s Capital Grid Project, Formal Case No. 1144. To address anticipated load growth and to ensure safety, reliability and resilience of the District’s electric system, the DCPSC authorized the construction of a new Mt. Vernon Substation.
The DCPSC concluded that the Mt. Vernon Substation will provide substantial reliability benefits to the District and help prepare for anticipated climate change challenges.
Given the District’s objective to maintain a reliable distribution system during extreme weather events, the Mt. Vernon Substation is necessary to: 1) maintain and enhance reliability standards and performance; 2) provide for additional Distributed Energy Resources (DER) hosting capacity; and 3) reduce the risk of prolonged and widespread outages.
To learn more, visit the DCPSC website.
The DCPSC initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the July 27, 2019, loss of Pepco's electric distribution services to customers served by the Florida Avenue substation.
This led to the DCPSC convening a legislative-style, informational, public hearing on November 6, 2019 to receive information from Pepco regarding power outage.
Senior Pepco representatives appeared at the hearing to discuss the Pepco’s response to power outage and to provide details concerning the root cause of the outage, contributing factors, and Pepco’s restoration efforts. Pepco also discussed corrective action plans, lessons learned, and responded to questions from the Commissioners. Pepco's presentation can be viewed here.
To watch the hearing, visit the DCPSC website.
In October, the DCPSC was excited to have Mayor Muriel Bowser visit our office. Mayor Bowser addressed staff about various initiatives and responded to questions. She concluded the visit by recognizing DCPSC staff with 20 years or more of service.
The Office of Consumer Services (OCS) kicked off Winter Ready DC on the District's Energy Efficiency Day. OCS encouraged DC residents to take small steps to have big savings during winter.
To support DC residents in their weatherization efforts, OCS hosted five Winter Ready DC pop-ups where residents signed up for a free window insulation kit. Insulating windows can help retain up to 55% of a home’s heat in the winter.
To date, 133 window insulation kits have been mailed to DC residents.
DCPSC Chairman Willie L. Phillips was appointed to the Center for Public Utilities' (CPU) Advisory Council. The council is comprised of regulatory utility commissioners and utility directors that gives input into the content of CPU programs.
A branch of the College of Business at New Mexico State University since 1978, the CPU provides training programs and current policy issues conferences to meet the needs of professionals employed at federal and state commissions, utility companies, and other stakeholders in the electricity, natural gas distribution, interstate pipeline, water utility and telecommunications industries.
The CPU is one of only four university centers with programs endorsed by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
Commissioner Greer Johnson Gillis has received a key appointment as Co-Vice Chair of the Gas Committee from the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC). NARUC, a non-profit organization, represents member agencies that regulate telecommunications, energy, and water utilities in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The Gas Committee fosters awareness and understanding of issues affecting the transportation, distribution, and sale of natural gas safely, efficiently, and economically. In addition to the Committee on Gas, Commissioner Gillis is a member of the NARUC Committee on International Relations.
“It is truly an honor to co-chair the Committee on Gas, and I thank NARUC for this opportunity,” Gillis said. “I look forward to continuing the work of actively engaging federal agencies and stakeholder groups on matters of critical importance to state regulators.”
The 2019 NARUC Annual Meeting and Education Conference brought state and national utility regulators, federal and state policymakers, industry representatives, consumer advocates, and other engaged stakeholders to San Antonio, Texas in November.
During the four-day conference, panel discussions covered a range of issues across the energy, telecommunications, water, and cyber security sectors.
The conference concluded with Chairman Willie L. Phillips facilitating a panel discussion on how artificial intelligence and augmented reality are transforming the utility industry.
For four consecutive years, the DCPSC's Office of Compliance and Enforcement (OCSE) has received a 100% rating for its implementation of the District’s Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Program. The rating is awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). In the District, the DCPSC provides oversight of intrastate natural gas pipelines through annual certification and partial funding by PHMSA.
The 100% audit score for our 2018 programs follows similar 100% scores for 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Dr. Udeozo Ogbue, P. Eng., Chief of OCE and Programs Manager stated, “This fourth consecutive 100% Annual Audit score by a new group of PHMSA Auditors shows that our three previous 100% Audit scores from three different groups of PHMSA Auditors were no flukes. The fourth consecutive 100% Audit score for 2018 also reconfirms OCE and the Commission’s passion for excellence in gas pipeline safety in the District.”
Congratulations to Patrice Jones Hunter for being selected as a Public Utilities Fortnightly Top Innovator of 2019. Ms. Hunter, recently named Chief of the Office of Policy Advancement & Development is responsible for bringing the latest business process improvements to the Public Service Commission.
In 2019, Ms. Hunter developed three major innovations for the Commission: Energy Supplier Workshop, Renewable Energy Portfolio (RPS) Portal and the Integrated Case Management System (ICMS).
These three innovations will greatly improve the business processes of the Commission and will make the regulatory experience better for consumers, applicants, employees and all stakeholders.
Read the article for Public Utilities Fortnightly Magazine.
The DCPSC annually gives back to the District’s needy during the holidays. This year, DCPSC staff coordinated a collection drive of warm winter items for our neighbors next door, Street Sense as well as hosted their Annual Holiday Party.
The time and dedication of our staff made this a wonderful event. More importantly, the positive impact that we made on our neighbors at Street Sense. The event was highlighted in the first edition of Street Sense for 2020 (January 8, page 3).
DCPSC staff collected 524 hats, gloves, socks, foot and hand warmers. And a big congratulations to Team Gillis for contributing the largest donation of 269. Team Phillips collected 140 and Team Beverly collected 115.
With the upcoming MLK Holiday, it is an opportunity to reflect upon the important of service in the community. As King said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
DCPSC staff donated and served food to Street Sense Media vendors at the holiday party. The mission of Street Sense is to end homelessness in the Washington, D.C. area by empowering people in need with the skills, tools and confidence to succeed. Street Sense Media provides economic opportunity for and elevating the voices of people experiencing homelessness.
DCPSC and Street Sense staff worked together to host the Street Sense Holiday Party. (L to R) Nkechi Feaster, Manager of Artistic Workshops, Brian Carome, Street Sense Media Executive Director, Willie L. Philliips, DCPSC Chairman and Patrice Hunter, DCPSC employee.
During the holiday party, Commissioner Gillis provided remarks and raffled off a blanket to an attendee. Throughout the year, we will continue our Good Neighbor Initiative by maintaining our partnership with Street Sense as well as participating in other community service projects.
Make sure to check out the DCPSC Annual and Statistical Reports, "Powering Forward." We consider 2018 a year in which we were powering forward on a number of significant initiatives. The annual and statistical reports highlighted the year’s crucial agency-wide and office-specific achievements.
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