The District of Columbia has just experienced a record-breaking snow storm, and winter temperatures in the District of Columbia regularly fall below freezing. Children and the elderly suffer the most from the cold.

No one should be without heat because behind on their bills. With unemployment having doubled in D.C. in the last two years, more and more residents are at risk.

On January 23, a public hearing on utility services will be held before the Committee on Public Service and Consumer affairs. Justice First demands emergency legislation that will make it illegal to shut off heat in D.C. during the winter months, and an immediate 50 percent rollback on gas and electricity rates.

Click here to submit your written testimony ahead of the hearing in support of these demands.

Under current laws, Pepco and Washington Gas have the right to shut any customer off for inability to pay as long as it is above 32 degrees on the day of disconnection. This means that on a “warm” winter day, your heat could be shutoff, and it will stay off regardless of how cold it gets until you can come up with all the money the utility giant demands.

No shutoffs of heat during the winter! Let’s make it the law!

A law that prohibits winter shutoffs is just a first step. There should be no gas or electricity shutoffs at any time.