The Office of the People's Counsel is the public advocate for natural gas, electric and telecommunications ratepayers in the District of Columbia.
Operating as usual
Breaking Consumer News in the OPC Connection December 2021 A Note from Your People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye Equity, Electrification, Energy OPC has long been at the forefront of initiatives
Sharing Mayor Bowser's COVID-19 update. See:https://coronavirus.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/mayormb/release_content/attachments/Situational-Update-Presentation_12-21-2021_.pdf
Sharing Mayor Bowser's COVID-19 update. See:https://coronavirus.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/mayormb/release_content/attachments/Situational-Update-Presentation_12-21-2021_.pdf
UPDATE: Washington Gas now says they did have a contractor in the Buena Vista neighborhood in Southeast recently. Residents told OPC that a man claiming to be from Washington Gas knocked on their apartment to gain access to meters. Nonetheless, the warnings still hold to be careful and questioning, especially this time of the year when scams rise. Always ask for ID! Don't give any account numbers or personal information unless you are sure who is asking! Report suspicious behavior to the utility & police. Also call OPC @ (202) 727-3071 and we will contact the utility to verify if it's real or fake. #opceducates #opcprotects #stoputilityscams
UPDATE: Washington Gas now says they did have a contractor in the Buena Vista neighborhood in Southeast recently. Residents told OPC that a man claiming to be from Washington Gas knocked on their apartment to gain access to meters. Nonetheless, the warnings still hold to be careful and questioning, especially this time of the year when scams rise. Always ask for ID! Don't give any account numbers or personal information unless you are sure who is asking! Report suspicious behavior to the utility & police. Also call OPC @ (202) 727-3071 and we will contact the utility to verify if it's real or fake. #opceducates #opcprotects #stoputilityscams
As the linked article states, if you need help finding assistance to pay utility bills, OPC can point you in the right direction. Call us @ 202.727.3071. #OPCadvocates #OPCeducates #OPCprotects
@dclinenews
Even as STAY DC applications are closed and the city has lifted its utility moratorium, residents still have access to myriad resources to help pay for their utilities this winter.
Check out breaking consumer news about utility disconnections, bill payment relief, climate action and more in the OPC Connection: https://conta.cc/3d23iig. #OPCconnects #OPCeducates
Check out breaking consumer news about utility disconnections, bill payment relief, climate action and more in the OPC Connection: https://conta.cc/3d23iig. #OPCconnects #OPCeducates
And the NASUCA Robert L. Manifold Lifetime Service Award goes to DC People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye & Stefanie Brand, former NJ state utility consumer advocate. #publicservant #consumercare #utilityservices
And the award goes to...See: https://conta.cc/3qil34x #NASUCA2021
And the award goes to...See: https://conta.cc/3qil34x #NASUCA2021
Climate Conversation Next Steps, Imagine a Day Without Water, Partner Profile & More in the October OPC Connection! Read all about it: https://conta.cc/3jPmR0O
Climate Conversation Next Steps, Imagine a Day Without Water, Partner Profile & More in the October OPC Connection! Read all about it: https://conta.cc/3jPmR0O
OPC thanks all who tuned in to our Water Services Division’s virtual educational forum: “Preventing a Day Without Water," on Wednesday. OPC discussed the lack of access to water many consumers experience, presented solutions to keep the water running, suggested programs to help you pay your water bill, and outlined how OPC can help resolve DC Water consumers' issues. Reach an OPC water specialist @ (202) 727-3071 if you need assistance. During the forum, People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye stated what might happen without water.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1453477006381879310
“@DCOPC thanks all who tuned in today for our Water Services Division’s educational forum: “Preventing a Day Without Water.” @DCOPC presented solutions to keep the water running. People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye stated what might happen without water. #wednesdaythoughts https://t.co/...
On the heels of "Imagine a Day Without Water," OPC is excited to host a forum Wed, 10/27: "Preventing a Day Without Water." Join the conversation about the value of water, trends in water usage & water bill assistance. See videos like this one. Register @ https://forms.gle/zLJrYncVH7yghDxP7.
This week, OPC is observing "Imagine a Day Without Water," a national campaign raising awareness about the value of water. Learn about it @ http://imagineadaywithoutwater.org. Also, join the OPC Water Services Division at a forum on Wednesday, 10/27. Register @ https://forms.gle/2DtFno3shd4nLWXd7. We asked some DC residents what it would be like? #ValueWater #OPCeducates
ICYMI, here's the Washington City Paper article on Saturday's #OPCClimateConversation: "The Price You Pay: Straight Talk About Climate Change & Environmental Injustice."
Local environmental activists and experts discuss success and failure of local efforts to combat climate change.
Join us Saturday, 10/16, for a HOT community conversation: "The Price You Pay-Straight Talk About Climate Change & Environmental Injustice." Register @ OPCclimate.eventbrite.com. #OPCClimateConversation #ItsGettingHotterMoe #OPCeducates #climateaction #environment
Join us Saturday, 10/16, for a HOT community conversation: "The Price You Pay-Straight Talk About Climate Change & Environmental Injustice." Register @ OPCclimate.eventbrite.com. #OPCClimateConversation #ItsGettingHotterMoe #OPCeducates #climateaction #environment
Check out the September OPC Connection!
https://conta.cc/39W6Wsd
Breaking Consumer News in the OPC Connection September 2021 A Note from Your People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye Like it or not, social media is deeply embedded into our culture. One study reveals
Join us for a community conversation. Register @ OPCclimate.eventbrite.com. More: https://conta.cc/3937T1r #OPCeducates #climateaction #environment
Join us for a community conversation. Register @ OPCclimate.eventbrite.com. More: https://conta.cc/3937T1r #OPCeducates #climateaction #environment
OPC is continuing to try to resolve issues consumers are reporting with Washington Gas customer service. https://conta.cc/3kNJdj1. Korean:
오늘 저는 계정 문제로 워싱턴 가스 고객 서비스에 접촉하려다가 실망한 고객분들을 위하여 시민 자문 사무소 (OPC)가 협력할 수 있는 방법을 알아보려 공공 서비스 위원회(DC PSC)에게 서한을 보냈습니다. 가스 서비스 중단에 직면할 수 있는 소비자에게 영향을 주어서는 안됩니다! DC Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs
OPC is continuing to try to resolve issues consumers are reporting with Washington Gas customer service. https://conta.cc/3kNJdj1. Korean:
오늘 저는 계정 문제로 워싱턴 가스 고객 서비스에 접촉하려다가 실망한 고객분들을 위하여 시민 자문 사무소 (OPC)가 협력할 수 있는 방법을 알아보려 공공 서비스 위원회(DC PSC)에게 서한을 보냈습니다. 가스 서비스 중단에 직면할 수 있는 소비자에게 영향을 주어서는 안됩니다! DC Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs
OPC is continuing to try to resolve issues Wash Gas consumers are reporting with Wash Gas customer service. https://conta.cc/3kNJdj1. Vietnamese:
Hôm nay, tôi đã gửi thư tới Ủy ban Dịch vụ Cộng đồng DC để tìm hiểu cách Văn phòng Luật sư Nhân dân (OPC) làm việc với Ủy ban để giải quyết những phản ánh về sự thất vọng của người tiêu dùng khi cố gắng liên hệ với Dịch vụ Khách hàng của Washington Gas để xử lý các vấn đề về tài khoản. Điều này không được ảnh hưởng đến những người tiêu dùng có thể phải đối mặt với tình trạng bị cắt dịch vụ gas! DC Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs
OPC is continuing to try to resolve issues Wash Gas consumers are reporting with Wash Gas customer service. https://conta.cc/3kNJdj1. Vietnamese:
Hôm nay, tôi đã gửi thư tới Ủy ban Dịch vụ Cộng đồng DC để tìm hiểu cách Văn phòng Luật sư Nhân dân (OPC) làm việc với Ủy ban để giải quyết những phản ánh về sự thất vọng của người tiêu dùng khi cố gắng liên hệ với Dịch vụ Khách hàng của Washington Gas để xử lý các vấn đề về tài khoản. Điều này không được ảnh hưởng đến những người tiêu dùng có thể phải đối mặt với tình trạng bị cắt dịch vụ gas! DC Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs
In need of mortgage help due to the #pandemic? Take the survey at http://dchfa.org/dcmap-covid/ to see if you qualify for financial assistance through DC MAP COVID-19. #OPCeducates #here2helpDC
In need of mortgage help due to the #pandemic? Take the survey at http://dchfa.org/dcmap-covid/ to see if you qualify for financial assistance through DC MAP COVID-19. #OPCeducates #here2helpDC
In a letter to the Public Service Commission People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye asks why consumers are reporting significant difficulty in contacting Washington Gas Customer Service, even as unusually high levels of past due accounts may face disconnection. Contact OPC immediately if you need help (202) 727-3071
In a letter to the Public Service Commission People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye asks why consumers are reporting significant difficulty in contacting Washington Gas Customer Service, even as unusually high levels of past due accounts may face disconnection. Contact OPC immediately if you need help (202) 727-3071
Thanks PRAISE 104.1 FM and Cheryl Jackson Radio for last night's very informative #Here2HelpDC Town Hall. ICYMI, check out the conversation to learn how 4 DC agencies are helping residents handle utility bills piled up due to the #pandemic. https://fb.watch/7LE5Y24-uh/. #opceducates #PraiseDC #StayDC
Tonight! Tonight! Tonight! 7 pm. #Here2HelpDC #OPCeducates
Don’t miss the #HereToHelpDC Town Hall with Cheryl Jackson this Tuesday, August 31st, 7pm on Facebook, YouTube and PraiseDC.com! Featuring: Emile Thompson, Commissioner, Public Service Commis…
Tune in to Tuesday evening to hear People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye and other leaders serving DC utility consumers. #opceducates #Here2HelpDC #StayDC #PraiseDC
Don't miss the #HereToHelpDC Town Hall with Cheryl Jackson this Tuesday, August 31st, 7pm on Facebook, YouTube and PraiseDC.com!
Featuring:
Emile Thompson, Commissioner, Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia
Sandra Mattavous-Frye, People’s Counsel for the District of Columbia
Tommy Wells, Director, District of Columbia Department of Energy & Environment
Ted Trabue, Director, District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility
https://praisedc.com/events/heretohelpdc-town-hall-with-cheryl-jackson/
ICYMI, read the latest OPC Connection Newsletter for consumer news you can use about utility bill payment assistance, climate happenings, OPC in your neighborhood & more! See: https://conta.cc/3zyk9mg
ICYMI, read the latest OPC Connection Newsletter for consumer news you can use about utility bill payment assistance, climate happenings, OPC in your neighborhood & more! See: https://conta.cc/3zyk9mg
Straight Talk About Climate Change, Watch Out for Water Changes, Changing Scenery & More in the August OPC
https://conta.cc/3yf25MD
Straight Talk About Climate Change, Watch Out for Water Changes, Changing Scenery & More in the August OPC
https://conta.cc/3yf25MD
Straight Talk About Climate Change, Watch Out for Water Changes, Changing Scenery & More in the August OPC Connection!
https://conta.cc/3yf25MD
Straight Talk About Climate Change, Watch Out for Water Changes, Changing Scenery & More in the August OPC Connection!
https://conta.cc/3yf25MD
Save the Date! Stay tuned for registration information. #OPCeducates #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalJustice
Save the Date! Stay tuned for registration information. #OPCeducates #ClimateAction #EnvironmentalJustice
*UPDATE* Boil Water Advisory Continues for DC Water Customers in Some Northeast Neighborhoods | DCWater.com
The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) advises customers in the impacted area to continue to boil tap water for cooking and drinking until tap water is confirmed safe. Customers should visit the interactive map or call the 24-Hour Command Center at (202) 612-3400 to determine....
Photos from DC Water's post
ICYMI: DC Water says customers in some parts of NE DC should boil their water and follow other instructions before drinking and cooking with it. See https://conta.cc/3joK7C6. #OPCeducates #OPCprotects #Here2HelpDC
ICYMI: DC Water says customers in some parts of NE DC should boil their water and follow other instructions before drinking and cooking with it. See https://conta.cc/3joK7C6. #OPCeducates #OPCprotects #Here2HelpDC
Please see below BOIL WATER ALERT from DC Water for some Northeast customers. Go to dcwater.com for more details.
BOIL WATER ALERT FOR SOME DC WATER CUSTOMERS:
Please consult the interactive map at bit.ly/DCWaterMap to see if the advisory impacts you.
Impacted customers should not to drink or cook with their water without first boiling it for 1 minute. The earliest the advisory will be lifted is Sat., Aug. 7.
Visit www.dcwater.com for more information.
TONIGHT! TONIGHT! Join OPC at TENAC DC's forum on STAY DC, the District's rental and utility assistance program, 6:00 - 7:45 pm. View the forum live @ www.facebook.com/TENACDC/Live. You can listen via phone by calling (301) 715-8592, and when prompted, enter meeting number 812 6596 9203, and then passcode 810000. More details: conta.cc/3ifFSZY. #OPCeducates #STAYDC #Here2HelpDC
TONIGHT! TONIGHT! Join OPC at TENAC DC's forum on STAY DC, the District's rental and utility assistance program, 6:00 - 7:45 pm. View the forum live @ www.facebook.com/TENACDC/Live. You can listen via phone by calling (301) 715-8592, and when prompted, enter meeting number 812 6596 9203, and then passcode 810000. More details: conta.cc/3ifFSZY. #OPCeducates #STAYDC #Here2HelpDC
Revving Up Electric Vehicle Equity, Leading to Lower Lead in Drinking Water, Winning in Court & More in the July OPC Connection!
See: https://conta.cc/3iRF1xL
Revving Up Electric Vehicle Equity, Leading to Lower Lead in Drinking Water, Winning in Court & More in the July OPC Connection!
See: https://conta.cc/3iRF1xL
OPC Urges Federal DOE to Focus on Needs of Disadvantaged Communities & Environmental Justice In Electric Vehicle Research
See: https://conta.cc/3zCf7VB
OPC Urges Federal DOE to Focus on Needs of Disadvantaged Communities & Environmental Justice In Electric Vehicle Research
See: https://conta.cc/3zCf7VB
Hola! Struggling with utility bills? OPC can connect you with payment assistance programs and negotiate payment plans with utility companies. Call OPC @ (202) 727-3071. #OPCcanHelp #OPCadvocates #Here2HelpDC
Do you want to serve DC utility consumers? If so, OPC wants you! We're looking for an Attorney Advisor. Duties include litigating utility rate cases before local & fed regulatory bodies. See https://bit.ly/3hS8qY4. Questions: [email protected] #JobAlert #OPCisyourUtilityLawyer
Do you want to serve DC utility consumers? If so, OPC wants you! We're looking for an Attorney Advisor. Duties include litigating utility rate cases before local & fed regulatory bodies. See https://bit.ly/3hS8qY4. Questions: [email protected] #JobAlert #OPCisyourUtilityLawyer
1133 15th St NW, Ste 500
Washington D.C., DC
20005
McPherson Square Metro Station *Red Line *Blue Line *Orange Line *Silver Line
The Office of the People's Counsel is an independent agency of the District of Columbia government. By law, it is the advocate for consumers of natural gas, electric and telephone services in the District. District of Columbia law designates the Office as a party to all utility-related proceedings before the Public Service Commission. The Office also represents the interests of District ratepayers before federal regulatory agencies. The Office is authorized to investigate the operation and valuation of utility companies independently of any pending proceeding.
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| Tuesday | 8:45am - 5:15pm |
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Happy Energy Efficiency Day! OPC Community Outreach Specialist Denise Blackson joined reps of Department of Energy & Environment, DC Sustainable Energy Utility & Public Service Commission District of Columbia for an #EEday2020 webinar. She says it’s good to unplug appliances & clean the fridge to reduce electricity usage. #OPCeducates #Here2HelpDC
OPC Water Services Division Attorney Grace Soderberg testified last evening @ the DC Water Board public hearing on their proposed 2021 & 2022 rates. Advocating to ensure reasonable rates & tangible benefits for all DC consumers, OPC recommends the rate changes be put on hold in light of uncertain economic times. #OPCAdvocates
DCOPC’s Community Outreach Specialist Jean Gross-Bethel gives some #Fridaythoughts about assistance we can provide to consumers who are @ home due to the #pandemic & using more electricity, gas & water. She commented at a webinar hosted by the Office of the Tenant Advocate: “Protecting Yourself From Summer’s High Utility Costs.” We’re #Here2HelpDC. Call us @ (202) 727-3071.
Can’t figure out why your utility bills are way too high? It could be due to a mistake as was the case with this property owner. At a DC Council hearing, she said how OPC-DC helped her successfully dispute her high water bill. If you have a complaint with your water, gas, electric or local phone bill or service, call OPC-DC @ (202) 727-3071. We’ll work with you to try to resolve it.
OPC-DC thanks all consumers who applauded our advocacy in testifying at the agency’s DC Council oversight hearing Wednesday. Ms. Stroman needed help getting her 80-year-old father’s utilities back on and OPC answered the call.
People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye and the staff at OPC-DC wish all #happyholidays! It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Enjoy the celebrations with family and friends!
ICYMI: People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye testifies on behalf of DC consumers @ the Public Service Commission hearing on November 6 on the July 27 power outage in Northwest. 3 of 3 comments. #OPCDCAdvocates #OPCDCEducates #OPCDCProtects
ICYMI: People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye testifies on behalf of DC consumers @ the Public Service Commission hearing on November 6 on the July 27 power outage in Northwest. 2 of 3 comments. #OPCDCAdvocates #OPCDCEducates #OPCDCProtects
ICYMI: People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye testifies on behalf of DC consumers @ the Public Service Commission hearing on November 6 on the July 27 Pepco power outage in Northwest. 1 of 3 comments on Pepco’s root cause (RC) report & OPC’s investigation. #OPCDCAdvocates #OPCDCEducates #OPCDCProtects
Pleased to welcome Deputy Mayor Lucinda Babers & staff from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure for our 1st energy efficiency workshop, conducted by our Denise Blackson, in the new OPC-DC Energy Affordability Lab right in our offices. 1st tip: LED lights are up to 80% more energy efficient. #OPCEducates
People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye addressing Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners at Dc Council Chairman Phil Mendelson’s Quarterly ANC Meeting
And the winner is...OPC-DC recognized as an “Innovation All-Star” by SmartEnergyIP, an organization within SmartMark Communications LLC that highlights the benefits of energy tech & innovation for consumers. Our new Energy Affordability Lab is applauded as an outstanding model “smart home,” designed to teach DC residents how to save energy & money on utility bills. People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye accepts the award @ the Smart Grid Customer Education Symposium, a meeting of advocates & industry professionals sharing best practices.
The 10th Annual OPC-DC Social Services Summit wraps up with agencies talking about how they assist consumers. Closing out an enlightening day, our Deputy People’s Counsel tells why the Summit is so important to what we do in helping utility consumers. #OPCgoesSocial. District of Columbia Public Service Commission DC Department of Aging and Community Living AARP DC
At the OPC-DC Social Services Summit l, Troye Bullock, Jr. talks about how he rose from homelessness to co-found and operate GOODProjects, which runs community programs to bring DC families out of poverty and youth away from violence. OPC-DC has held the Summit for 10 years to give agencies and nonprofits an opportunity to network to collectively improve outreach to utility consumers. #OPCgoesSocial
@ OPC-DC’ Social Services Summit, Dr Elvin Ramos of UDC Community College leads the”Community Action Poverty Simulation.” It’s a unique tool to help people understand what it’s like to be short on money to pay for utilities and other necessities. #OPCgoesSocial
@ OPC-DC’ Social Services Summit, Dr Elvin Ramos of UDC Community College leads the”Community Action Poverty Simulation.” It’s a unique tool to help people understand what it’s like to be short on money to pay for utilities and other necessities. #OPCgoesSocial
OPC-DC hosting the 10th Annual Social Services Summit
Come on down to #PARKingDay2019 14th & U NW and 2100 MLK Jr. Ave SE until 4 pm!
OPC-DC live from #PARKingDay @ 2100 MLK J. Ave SE. We’ll be providing info on how we help water, natural gas, electric and local phone consumers. Come file a complaint, get info about solar, and also get some goodies, play games and have fun. PARKingDay is a national event to promote green spaces, sustainability and community engagement.
People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye is featured on DC Public Library Radio on the podcast, “All Things Local.” She talks with DCPL’s Olubunmi V. Bakare about how she came to be the advocate for DC utility consumers, OPC’s work on numerous fronts, and what inspires her. The People’s Counsel gives a challenge to young people in this clip. Hear the full podcast @ https://bit.ly/2kOARNd or https://apple.co/2kknWlS
A great visit to W.B. Patterson Elementary today. OPC-DC's kid-friendly workshops teach students about the importance of saving energy. We'd love to come to your school too. Call our Denise @ 202.727.3071. #OPCinYourNeighborhood #Ward8
OPC-DC is hosting the 2nd in a series of Utility Town Halls across the District to give consumers an opportunity to ask questions about your electric, gas, local phone and water services. Stay tuned for info on the next one.
OPC-DC is hosting the 2nd in a series of Utility Town Halls across the District to give consumers an opportunity to ask questions about your electric, gas, local phone and water services. Stay tuned for info on the next one.
OPC-DC is hosting the 2nd in a series of Utility Town Halls across the District to give consumers an opportunity to ask questions about your electric, gas, local phone and water services.
Center for a New American Security - CNAS
1152 15th St NW, Suite 950American Resort Development Association
1201 15th St NWU.S. Army Recruiting Station Washington DC
1120 Vermont Ave NWYunus Emre Institute-Washington D.C.
1 Thomas Circle NorthwestIntellectual Property Owners Association
1501 M St NW, Ste 1150National Institute of Building Sciences
1090 Vermont Ave. NWNational Association of Regulatory Utility Co
1101 Vermont Ave NW, Ste 200