Personal stories
Justice First has been fighting tooth and nail against the utility giants to help D.C. residents keep their lights on. Here are some of their stories.
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Edward Durham, 52, lives alone on a fixed income of $664 a month from Social Security. When he first contacted Justice First in April 2009, his monthly rent was $469 and his debt to PEPCO was nearly $350. Mr. Durham suffers from diabetes, and his insulin must be kept refrigerated or it will lose its potency. An electricity shutoff was a matter of life or death – literally. Justice First organized a demonstration and a press conference to demand that PEPCO keep Mr. Durham’s lights on. A Justice First advocate pressed PEPCO to reduce the amount owed, and with the help of a microloan from Justice First, Mr. Durham was able to avert a shutoff. “Justice First has supplied me with both support and invaluable information to aid my fight to receive what is rightfully mine. They have kept closely in touch by way of Phone, home visits, and informational support. Every person involved with me was supportive of me as a human being and not a case number,” said Mr. Durham. “If you find yourself being lawfully mistreated by these powerful, yet careless utility companies, I personally recommend Justice First as your fighting partner.” As of November 2009, PEPCO is once again threatening Mr. Durham. Justice First is working hand in hand with him to win this battle. |
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For almost three years, Pepco billed Ms. Johnson “estimates,” and as of December 2009 they claimed Ms. Johnson owed Pepco roughly $10,000 for previously unbilled electricity. She was told to pay the exorbitant sum or face a shutoff. “With my hands being tied, I was forced to borrow money from my parents and sister to begin to make payments on this erroneous bill," Mia told Justice First. “I was very embarrassed, to say the least, as I have never borrowed money to pay any of my bills. ... I have made substantial payments, but I still received a shutoff notice. “... I am a single working mother with a teenage daughter. She is beginning the college search and filling out college applications. Like any parent, I have dreams of my daughter going to college. Her dream is to go to college. But the reality is that this may not be possible if I am expected to hand over all my income and savings to Pepco. ... “What are working people to do? What are those on fixed income to do? We have to fight back! We have to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. The utility companies and the executives are making millions and millions of dollars in profits and bonuses at the expense of the ordinary person: the customer, the residents of the District of Columbia. We don’t have a choice to take our business elsewhere because they have monopolized this industry. Electricity and heat are not luxuries. They are basic necessities for everyone. This has to stop now!” |
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Esteban Olivares, 34, couldn’t pay his electricity bill when a family member was laid off. When he contacted Justice First in August 2009, his debt to PEPCO was over $1,270. Three children under the age of 12 live in his household. A PEPCO field representative claimed the electricity would not be shut off if they could pay half. While Mr. Olivares, a university administrator, tried to pull the money together, PEPCO shut off the lights. With one child just beginning to walk, and two more to feed, how could the Olivares’ live without electricity? Without lights, the house was a danger for the children, food was spoiling in the refrigerator. When the Olivares’ called PEPCO customer service, they demanded the full $1,270, or the electricity would remain shut off. Mr. Olivares contacted Justice First. A Justice First advocate negotiated with PEPCO customer service. The lights were turned back on a few hours later. “Justice First was there when I thought my family and I would be left in the dark. They met with my family one-on-one just a couple hours after I called, and started taking action immediately. Justice First truly understood how devastating and dangerous it would be for my family and children to live without electricity for even a moment longer,” said Mr. Olivares. “Justice First is different from any other energy assistance organization because their volunteers have gone through what I went through. They truly understand that electricity is not luxury, but essential to the safety and inhabitability of a home.” |
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Patricia Holmes has lived in Washington, D.C. her entire life. She cares for an autistic daughter, and requires dialysis three times a week due to bad kidneys. “Between my daughter and I, we go to the doctor’s office about 16 times a month,” Ms. Holmes said. “I don’t have time for much else, but I have gotten behind on paying my electric bills, and it’s keeping me up at night. I am so worried that the lights will go off. My heat is electric too, so if the lights go off, I’ll be without heat.” Ms. Holmes’ utilities are her most expensive bills, costing her more than rent. Her Pepco bill is often five times more than what she pays for the medications that she and her daughter need to live. “Justice First has taken on my case, and they are helping me negotiate with Pepco and get me on a more affordable payment plan, so that my electricity won’t be shut off. I met Justice First at a community forum for my apartment complex. They gave a dynamite presentation on Pepco and electric bills, and it really helped me understand why so many D.C. residents are struggling to pay the electric bills like me.” |
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Rudolphus Thorpe is 74 years old and a double amputee. He suffers from diabetes and must take four insulin shots a day. Because his insulin must be refrigerated, having electricity in his home is vital for his well-being. “I’ve lived in the District of Columbia all my life. I have lived on a fixed income for the last 15 years. I live on less that $860 a month. This year, I didn’t even get a cost-of-living increase. And the electric bill keeps going up,” Mr. Thorpe told Justice First. After he pays his rent and all his bills, he has about $200 left to buy food and pay for his other needs. “I am a responsible customer. This is the first time I’ve gotten behind on my electric bill. But what can I do? My income stays the same, but Pepco always wants more.” |
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