Utility debt ticks up 2.2% in May despite fewer disconnection notices being sent to residents

The silver lining of Pepco’s official May numbers are overshadowed by the continued financial strain DC’s corporate monopoly utility is placing on residents. Arrearage (debt) increased by 2.2% since April, whereas low-income debt increased by 2.15%.

On the brighter side, disconnection notices for both standard and low-income customers dropped significantly month-over-month. For standard customers, there was a 11,190 decrease (61.4% drop), and for low-income customers, there was a 1,858 decrease (54.7% drop). For shutoffs, the numbers remained steady month-on-month.

While May’s numbers are a mixed bag, expect June’s numbers to be far worse for residents, as summer rates went into effect June 1. This means the price of electricity will go up across the region to account for increased demand (air conditioning, cooling centers, etc.). The PSC approved Pepco’s standard request to pass along the bulk of these charges straight to customers, meaning the average bill will increase $8.79 (or 6.2%).