District of Columbia News

Utility Watchdogs

by Donya Currie - 1/01/2012

AARP DC opposes Pepco's proposal to raise electric rates by $42 million, and invites members to help fend off the rate hike by joining its utilities-watchdog team.

Consumer advocates say the proposal would increase residential customers' bills by about $5 a month and reduce the opportunity for public input. The company says the increase is needed to improve service and infrastructure.

The D.C. Public Service Commission threatened to fine the utility if it fails to meet standards for reducing the frequency and length of outages. A Washington Post investigation found the average Pepco customer had 70 percent more power outages than utility customers in other big cities.

To get involved, go to action.aarp.org/dc or call 202-434-7700.