Despite over 2,000 letters to the D.C. Public Service Commission and D.C. Councilmembers vehemently opposing Pepco’s proposal for a $44.5 million rate hike and demanding a 50 percent rollback in rates, the Commission has approved a $19.8 million rate hike. The Commission characterizes this award as “moderate,” citing that the award is less than half of what utility giant Pepco sought.

No rate hike is acceptable, not even so-called moderate ones. Our utility rates have doubled in the last five years. The Public Service Commission does not represent the public. It represents Pepco’s millionaire executives. The PSC should be renamed to the “Pepco Service Commission.”

Justice First’s campaign against the rate hike and the tireless action taken by Justice First members and supporters like you are the only reasons the PSC did not approve Pepco’s request in whole.

Heat and light are a right! This fight is not over. The commission does not get the final word. We do.

Stay tuned.