DCPSC Chairman Statement on Performance Oversight Hearing

PRESS STATEMENT CONTACT: Kellie Didigu, kdidigu@psc.dc.gov, (202) 626-5124 Statement from DCPSC Chairman Emile C. Thompson on Performance Oversight Hearing Public Testimony [WASHINGTON, D.C. — FEBRUARY 27, 2026] — Today, the DC Council invited the public to join a Performance Oversight Hearing of the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia. This hearing is an important opportunity for the people we serve to make their voice heard. I am listening closely to the testimonies that highlight real hardships and valid concerns of District residents. I know that utility bills are a major source of stress for families across all eight wards, and I hear the urgent calls for a faster transition to clean energy. When you look at your monthly bill, the Commission oversees the distribution charges, or roughly 33% of the total for an average resident. Most of the bill is driven by energy supply costs and taxes set by the DC Council. My commitment is to zero in on the portion we do control. The Commission’s mandate is to oversee local utility companies, and that frequently boils down to a difficult balancing act. We must work to upgrade the District's energy grid to meet our climate goals while protecting residents from an unfair financial burden. It is a heavy responsibility, and I do not make decisions lightly nor in a vacuum. While today is about listening to your lived experiences, I look forward to sharing the concrete steps the Commission is taking to address these exact issues. I invite you to continue sharing your comments and perspectives so that we can navigate complex rate cases and infrastructure improvement projects together. The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia is an independent agency established by Congress in 1913 to regulate electric, natural gas, and telecommunications companies in the District of Columbia. ###