Amid repeated failures by the D.C. Public Service Commission to keep energy bills down, a coalition of consumer, housing and climate advocates is urging the D.C. Council to pause new appointments to the commission until after the new mayor takes office Jan. 2. Advocates will testify at the Feb. 27 public oversight hearing of the commission, emphasizing how higher energy bills are straining D.C. residents and the need for new leadership at the commission.
“To build a more affordable energy future in D.C., we should use new architects. January’s 13% gas rate hike is only the latest chapter in a history of lax oversight and deference by the D.C. Public Service Commission to let utilities jack up their rates no matter the cost to District residents,” said Claire Mills, D.C. campaigns manager at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “Time and time again, Chair Thompson and Commissioner Trabue have sided with Washington Gas and Pepco instead of with hardworking D.C. residents, rubber-stamping nearly half a billion dollars in excessive spending that allows these companies to increase profits for their shareholders. With affordability top of mind for D.C. residents this election season, voters deserve a say in choosing a leader who will hold utilities accountable and help bring costs down. That means no reappointments before the November election.”
Since 2021, under Chair Emile Thompson’s leadership, the commission has approved $398.5 million in utility spending by both Pepco and Washington Gas. That included a controversial multiyear electric rate hike approved in November 2024 that increased D.C. electric bills by $7.54 per month in 2025 and $3.80 per month in 2026, and a 13% gas rate hike approved in December 2025 that boosted Washington Gas’ return on equity to 10.5%, an industry high. The commission has continued to approve spending requests from Pepco and Washington Gas even as both utilities face lawsuits from consumer advocates alleging mismanagement of ratepayer dollars and research showing utility infrastructure spending has failed to measurably reduce gas leak risks. The commission is expected to rule on a request from Washington Gas for an additional $215 million in fossil fuel pipeline spending later this spring…