June Pepco Numbers: Over 13k shutoff notices during a heatwave

In June, when the heat and humidity pushed the index to the 105° range, Pepco was busy sending disconnection notices to struggling residents. By Pepco’s monthly report, nearly 14,000 disconnection notices were sent to residents behind on their bills. While some see this as a reminder, others view it as a threat: pay now or risk your health in this extreme heat. For many households, they need to choose between power and groceries or other essential purchases.

This same month, 919 households were shut off from power as high energy usage and pricing weigh on residents across DC. While Pepco took in $33.6 million in revenue, nearly a fourth of all DC residents fell behind on their bills. When focusing just on our low-income neighbors, we see 56% (more than half!) are in arrears to Pepco.

Energy prices are high across the region as utilities, grid operators, and power generators have been asleep at the wheel when it comes to energy innovation and affordability. But it smacks of a broken system when so many residents are burdened by utility debt from a private corporation.

When will our lawmakers and regulators demand the shareholders take a financial hit instead of us, the people they serve? Because with the system we have now, our communities suffer so they can continue to get rich.