The
Office of the People's Counsel is an independent agency of the DC government.
By law, it is the advocate for consumers of natural gas, electric and
telephone services in the District. DC law designates the Office as
a party to all utility-related proceedings before the Public Service
Commission. The Office also represents the interests of District ratepayers
before federal regulatory agencies.
The
Office is authorized to investigate the operation and valuation of utility
companies independently of any pending proceeding and is also empowered
to represent no-fault automobile insurance consumers if the Superintendent
of Insurance holds a rate hearing.
The
Office's mandate is to advocate the provision of quality utility service
and equitable treatment at rates that are just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory
to District ratepayers; to assist individual consumers in disputes with
utility companies about billing or services; and to provide technical
assistance and consumer education to the Consumer Utility Board ("CUB")
and other community groups. The Office also actively participates in
proceedings regarding the installation and removal of public pay telephones
in the community.
The
Office is headed by the People's Counsel, an attorney appointed to a
three-year term by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City
Council.