Ted Trabue delays Pepco refund decision, punts rate hike hearing till December 2026

Interim PSC Chairman Ted Trabue has once again stalled any movement on the potential of Pepco refunds or decreasing current distribution rates. In a baffling showcase of his inability to make a decision, Trabue opted to do nothing regarding the current Pepco rates that have no legal standing since a court vacated Pepco’s most recent rate hike last spring. This led opponents like the OPC to challenge DC’s current rates as illegally high, petitioning to drop the rates immediately and refund all customers who overpaid.

Because of a vacancy at the PSC, the Commission is deadlocked on decisions that are not unanimous. As Commissioner Beverly points out, the PSC cannot legally make a decision on Pepco’s current rates, noting that the final decision rests on Trabue, who has decided to do nothing. In previous statements, Beverly noted his intention to deny Pepco’s rate hike and preference to refund customers if Pepco resubmits their previous rate case.

Now, the evidentiary hearing (which serves as a redo for the 2024 rate case) is delayed until December 2026. Additionally, Trabue’s seat is up for reappointment in early 2027, which makes his decision to do nothing even more incomprehensible. It seems that Trabue doesn’t understand that his job as Chairman is to make decisions, not just loaf around panels for speaking opportunities.