The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia ("Commission") announces a public hearing on July 12, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Commission's office to receive information and comment on a number of issues related to the marketing and sales practices of retail suppliers, marketers and brokers serving residential and commercial electricity and natural gas customers in the District.
There have been complaints about alternative suppliers, the rates they charge which can turn out to be only a $2.00 to $5.00 monthly savings, but you still have to pay a fee to Pepco since their energy is being used(businesses and residents). The sales tactics used, for example, needing to see your previous bills and/or first come into your home to check whatever they say they need to see , when a door-to-door sales person comes to your door; cold calls received by already Pepco customers which give the impression they represent Pepco, not first revealing who they are and not notifying about there will be an Admin fee added to you bill; requesting personal information, i.e., SS#, banking information to set up monthly automatic debit; etc.
The Office of the People's Counsel (OPC), our attorneys in utility matters has been dealing with/and fighting these issues for the affected residents and indirectly businesses since deregulation started. Many utility consumers have had to withstand some of these alternative providers, past and current, causing these consumers to experience poor credit ratings, having to pay after being defrauded; etc.
The OPC needs the residents/businesses support on this matter of consumer protection, especially to increase the number of residents/businesses who will speak up on these matters for the right thing to be done on the consumers behalf. The OPC has the expertise to address these problems, but as we all know, "its the squeaky wheel that gets the oil".
All are affected in this matter, whether directly or indirectly. Whether you can come in and testify, just submit testimony, or just call in to the PSC and OPC (202-727-3071) to express your concerns, the "an enlarged squeaky wheel will then be more loudly heard", which can lead to stronger regulation of these alternative suppliers and accountability for stronger consumer protection.
Think about it, read the attached document on this matter, and do the right thing for a better DC! It will be apprecited! Thank you!
Albrette "Gigi" Ransom
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