AARP’s District of Columbia State Office, in response to its commitment to ensure affordable electric rates and consumer protections for all residents, commissioned this survey to explore the views of 50+ residents regarding utility affordability, smart meters, power restoration following storms and consumer protections.
Key findings include:
- 50 percent say they are extremely or very concerned about the rising costs of heating and cooling their homes; and another 24 percent say they are somewhat concerned. In fact, only 23 percent say they are not very or not at all concerned.
- 43 percent say it is at least somewhat difficult to pay their electric and gas bill.
- 48 percent say they are paying too much for electricity.
- Most residents (65%) are aware that smart meters have been installed in District of Columbia homes.
- Three-fourths (78%) somewhat or strongly oppose the utility company disconnecting service without a home visit to notify the customer.
These results are based on a telephone survey of 800 District of Columbia residents age 50+ fielded March 15 to March 23, 2012. For more information, please contact Cassandra Burton at 202-434-3547.
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