Pepco’s revenue soars as nearly a quarter of DC residents remain in utility debt for July

Pepco’s official July numbers were published with mixed changes from June. More expensive summer rates continue to drive up costs for residents, contributing to significant revenue gains for Pepco and partially leading to an increase in utility debt for low-income residents.

Here are the details for July 2026:

• Revenue: $56.9 million

  • Increase of 43.4% from June

• Utility Debt (all residents): 78,159 or 24% of all residents

  • No significant change; decrease of 0.03%)

• Utility Debt (low-income residents): 11,347 or 55% of low-income residents

  • Increase of 11.4% from June

• Disconnection Notices (all residents): 8,061

  • No significant change; decrease of 1.3% from June

Utility debt remaining steady amidst higher prices is a good sign, it is still abysmal that nearly a quarter of DC residents are indebted to a monopoly utility. The question of local financial stability is further called into question with DC’s low-income population struggling to keep bills paid, especially as the power shutoff moratorium expires.

With former Chairman Thompson resigning (and Ted Trabue promoted in his place), the balance of power at the PSC is now down to two people. Commissioner Beverly, who has routinely voted against Pepco rate hikes and other pro-corporate orders, recently demanded the need for immediate refunds from Pepco to residents overpaying on delivering charges since 2024 and to abandon multi-year rate plans.