Pepco asks for ex-parte communications, wants to continue speaking with Commission staff outside of formal channels

The Public Service Commission is currently undergoing proposed rulemaking for utility regulation. This framework addresses technology, approved communication channels, procedure, and much more than impacts a utility’s service and our rates.

While this occurs, the Commission allows stakeholders (like Pepco) to file comments during their Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. In Pepco’s formal comments, they say something shocking:

On page 4 of the document, Pepco admits to having regular ex-parte communications with PSC technical staff. These are direct conversations outside formal channels with DC staff that influence how Pepco is regulated. It’s important to note, the proposed rule doesn’t ban Pepco from communicating with Commission staff; instead, it simply requires the utility to formally go through the Office of General Counsel. This formal structure guards against shady backroom deals, unregulated lobbying, and other issues that arise when systems are not transparent.

To make matters worse, Pepco is insisting they are allowed to continue contracting Commission staff outside of formal channels even during contested proceedings. This includes examples like the previous rate case, which raised rates on DC by over $100 million.

It’s no surprise that Pepco wants to continue employing opaque, unethical tactics, but it’s very shocking their official statement would admit to those facts. Here’s to hoping the PSC commissioners will not cave to Pepco’s ridiculous pressure.