Justice First is pleased to announce that Justice First’s proposed legislation “Winter Moratorium on Shutoffs of Heat Amendment Act of 2010” has been introduced into the D.C. Council! This legislation will make it illegal for Pepco or Washington Gas to shut off any D.C. resident’s heat during the winter.

This important step would not have happened if we had not make our voices heard at public hearings, DC council meetings and, most importantly, in the streets. Now, it's time to make our voices heard again.

Justice First is holding a Coordinated Call-In Day this Thursday, March 25. Tomorrow, we will flood the D.C. Council Committee on Public Services and Consumer Affairs with phone call demanding that they support the bill.

Under current D.C. law, Pepco and Washington Gas have the right to shut off any customer during the winter for inability to pay as long as temperatures stay above 32 degrees on the day of disconnection.

At Justice First, we believe that heat and electricity are a right.

Justice First’s “Winter Moratorium on Shutoffs of Heat Amendment Act of 2010” is just the first step. It will bring peace and assurance to the hearts of tens of thousands of D.C. residents, who will be guaranteed heat in their homes during the winter, even if, for example, they are laid off or have unexpected medical expenses.

Now we have to fight to make sure that this bill becomes a law! The first step is for the Committee on Public Services and Consumer Affairs to hold a public hearing. This will not happen unless you take action by calling in on Thursday, March 25!

Read Justice First's proposed legislation, the "Winter Moratorium on Shutoffs of Heat Amendment Act of 2010."