Power shutoffs increase over 95% in the final month of expensive summer rates

Power shutoffs are on the rise. According to data from Pepco’s latest September numbers, DC residents are having their lights, AC, and other essential services cut off for nonpayment from the sky-high electric bills. Since August, over 1,600 residents had their power shut off, even as ninety-degree temperatures persisted through the month.

Here are the details for September 2026:

• Revenue: $51.1 million

  • Decrease of 5.3% from August

• Utility Debt (all residents): 76,579 or 23% of all residents

  • No significant change; decrease of 1.86% from August

• Utility Debt (low-income residents): 11,243 or 54% of low-income residents

  • No significant change; decrease of 0.09% from August

• Disconnection Notices (all residents): 25,561

  • No significant change; decrease of 0.4% from August

• Power shutoffs (all residents): 1,644

  • Exponential increase of 95.7% from August

While this energy affordability crisis persists, Interim PSC Chairman Ted Trabue is stalling potential Pepco refunds. This is unsurprising as Trabue has consistently voted to approve unnecessary, expensive rate hikes for Pepco and Washington Gas in the past.

On the flip side, Commissioner Richard Beverly is still pushing for refunds from Pepco and an end to the multiyear rate hike structure. Additionally, Beverly’s office released a plan to make bills more affordable, rein in corporate utilities, and streamline processes at the PSC (if they achieve the votes to implement).