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2012 Survey Of District Of Columbia Residents Age 50 And Older About Utilities

by Cassandra Burton, AARP Research & Strategic Analysis, AARP Research, July 2012

This and Related Reports

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.