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Q. Can I get assistance to help me understand my utility bill?
A. If you need help understanding your utility bills, first contact the utility company directly by calling the utility customer service telephone numbers printed on the front page of your utility bill.
Be sure to have a complete copy of your bill in front of you.
You can also call the Office of Consumer Services at 202-626-5120.
Consumer specialists will explain the charges incurred for your utility bill.
Click here for more information.
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Q. What do I do if I think my bill is incorrect?
A. If you believe the utility service provider made a mistake on your bill, the Commission can help to resolve the issue. First, contact the utility directly by calling the utility customer service telephone numbers printed on the front page of your utility bill.
Be sure to have a complete copy of your bill in front of you.
If you can not resolve the problem after talking to the utility representative, please call the Office of Consumer Services at 202-626-5120.
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Q. How can I lower my utility bill?
A. Consumers can lower their utility bill, and save money.
Discount Rates: The Commission requires Verizon, Pepco, and Washington Gas to offer discount rates to low-income residential customers based upon income and eligibility requirements. For more information, call the Office of Consumer Services at 202-626-5120 or the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) at 311.
Click here for more information.
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Q. How do I file a complaint about a utility service provider?
A. Consumer can file a complaint with the Commission about a utility service provider. First, the consumer should contact the utility directly by calling the utility customer service telephone numbers printed on the front page of your utility bill.
Be sure to have a complete copy of your bill in front of you.
If you can not resolve the problem after talking to the utility representative, please contact the Office of Consumer Services at 202-626-5120, on-line at www.dcpsc.org/consumerservices or by mail at 1333 H St. N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C., 20005.
Consumer specialists are available to investigate complaints and respond to inquiries.
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Q. What do I do if I notice a public safety problem?
A.If you notice a public safety problem such as a dangling electric wire or you smell gas, leave the area and dial 911 immediately to report the problem. Afterwards, you have the option to file a complaint with the Commission.
To file a complaint about a public safety issue, call the Office of Consumer Services at 202-626-5120.
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Q. What do I need to do if my services have been cut off?
A. If your electric, natural gas or telephone service has been cut off, the Commission may be able to help you restore your services.
To restore your service, the utility usually will require you to:
- Pay a portion of your outstanding bill,
- Pay a security deposit, which can be up to two-times the amount of your highest monthly bill over the last 12 months, or
- Set-up a payment plan to pay off the remainder of your outstanding bill over the next 12 months.
For assistance with restoring your utility services,
click here to contact Office of Consumer Services
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Q. Can I speak with someone in person about my electric, natural gas and telephone bills?
A.
Yes. The Office of Consumer Services accepts walk-ins Monday
through Friday (except holidays) between 9 a.m and 5:30 p.m.
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Q. I do not believe my meter is accurate. What can I do about this?
A. In the case of an electric or natural gas meter, a consumer may request a refereed meter test, which is witnessed by a Commission staff and engineer. Requests for a refereed meter test can be made through the Office of Consumer Services at 202-626-5120.
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Q. A pay telephone in my neighborhood is a nuisance, and I want to file a complaint about it. Who do I contact?
A. If a consumer has a problem with a pay telephone, consumers can call the Pay Telephone hotline number at 202-737-4PSC (4772).
Consumer can file a complaint by:
- Faxing to 202-626-9210,
- Emailing to www.dcpsc.org/consumerservices, or
- Mailing to the Pay Telephone Division at 1333 H St. N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C., 20005.
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Q. My long distance telephone service was switched without my permission. What do I do?
A. If a long distance company has switched your services without permission (also known as slamming), call the company and to inform them that you will pay only the charges of your preferred carrier.
If the carrier will not drop any additional charges, contact the Office of Consumer Services at 202- 626-5120 for assistance.
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Q. Does your agency handle complaints about wireless telephones?
A. No. Wireless service is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). You can file a complaint with the FCC by calling 1-888-225-5322, or on-line at http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm.
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Q. Does your agency handle complaints about water and sewer?
A. No. Water and sewer
complaints are handled by the DC Water and Sewer Authority (WASA).
To report a problem, contact DC WASA at 202-354-3600 or on-line
at http://www.dcwasa.com/report_problem/default.cfm
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Q. Can someone assist me with a complaint about my cable television?
A. No. The Office of Cable Television (OCT) handles complaints with cable television service. To file a complaint, contact OCT at 202-671-0066 or on-line at http://www.octt.dc.gov/services/complaints/index.shtm
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Q. I would like someone from the Commission to speak to my community group about the role of the Public Service Commission. Who should I contact?
A. To request a speaker for your community group, contact the Office of Consumer Services at 202-626-5120.
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