Under the leadership of People’s Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye, the Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC), advocates for sustainable policies that benefit DC residents, preserve environmental quality, and conserve natural resources. An independent agency of the District of Columbia government, OPC works to ensure the District meets its ambitious clean energy goals. As the statutory representative of electric, gas, and water ratepayers, on their behalf, we seek affordable, reliable and quality utility services, while reducing carbon emissions through electrification, energy efficiency programs, and renewable resources. In proceedings before local and federal regulatory bodies, OPC advocates for equitable utility investments and responsible practices that align with the District’s climate goals. Through legislative reforms, outreach, education, and community partnerships, the Office of the People’s Counsel empowers DC consumers to have a voice in the transition to a cleaner and better energy future.
About OPC
The Office of the People’s Counsel is an independent agency of the District of Columbia government.
The mission of the Office of the People’s Counsel (“OPC” or “The Office”) is to: advocate for the provision of safe and reliable quality utility service and equitable treatment at rates that are just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory; advocate for climate change policies that transition the District to a clean energy economy and sustainable environment in support of the District’s climate goals and that benefits District utility consumers; assist individual consumers in disputes with utility providers; provide technical assistance, education, and outreach to consumers, ratepayers, community groups, and associations; and provide legislative analysis and information to the Council of the District of Columbia on matters relating to utilities. The Office’s mission further includes consideration of the District’s economy and promotion of the environmental sustainability of the District.
Following the DC Council’s passage of the DC Water Consumer Protection Amendment Act of 2018 on December 18, 2018, the Office of the People’s Counsel’s area of advocacy was expanded. Effective April 11, 2019, OPC was authorized to directly assist DC Water ratepayers with service issues. This means OPC’s Water Services Division staff can independently begin an investigation of a water consumer’s complaint.
In addition, in defining its positions while advocating on matters pertaining to the operation of public utility or energy companies, the Office shall consider the public safety, the economy of the District of Columbia, the conservation of natural resources, and the preservation of environmental quality, including effects on global climate change and the District’s public climate commitments.
History of the Office
Originally established by the United States Congress in 1926 as a part of the DC Public Service Commission, the Office was eliminated due to budget constraints in 1952. Community concern.. Community concern in 1975 about rapidly rising electric rates resulted in the re-establishment of the Office by Congress through 88 Stat. 1975, Public Law 93-614. The Office became an independent agency of the District of Columbia government on January 2, 1975.