Council Transportation and the Environment

This bill amends existing laws to strengthen consumer protections for residential electricity and natural gas customers in Washington, D.C. It requires third-party energy suppliers to cap their prices at no more than 110% of the standard utility rate, with exceptions allowed for suppliers offering renewable energy or those deemed to be in the public interest. Additionally, the legislation grants residents the right to cancel their energy contracts at any time without facing early termination fees or penalties. The bill also holds energy companies legally responsible for any violations committed by their agents, contractors, or brokers.

This bill updates the reporting rules for the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment, requiring the agency to publish certain reports on its website instead of sending them directly to the City Council. Key changes include reducing how often some reports are submitted, such as switching from annual to biennial schedules for the Green Building Commission, and extending the time period covered by some reports from one year to two. The legislation also removes outdated or duplicate reporting requirements and adjusts deadlines to better align with when data is available. Ultimately, the bill aims to streamline administrative processes while maintaining public access to information about environmental programs and expenditures.

The Public Trust in Utility Regulation Act of 2026 requires electric and gas companies in the District of Columbia to provide detailed information about proposed capital investments when seeking rate increases. This legislation mandates that utility firms disclose the purpose, cost, and expected benefits of each project to the Public Service Commission and make this data publicly available. Additionally, the bill establishes a requirement for the Commission to audit public utility finances, expenditures, and service quality every three years. These measures aim to increase transparency and accountability in utility regulation without changing the Public Service Commission's existing authority. The primary goal is to help residents and policymakers better understand how utility costs are determined and ensure investments serve the public interest.

This bill requests the Council of the District of Columbia to confirm the reappointment of Emile Thompson as a member and Chairperson of the Public Service Commission. The resolution establishes his term of service to end on June 30, 2030, following his nomination by Mayor Muriel Bowser. Upon passage, the Council must transmit a copy of the resolution to the nominee and the Mayor's office to complete the appointment process.

The Neighborhood Management Authority Act of 2025 creates two neighborhood management authorities - one for the Greater U Street Corridor (dubbed the "Duke District") and one for Columbia Heights - to improve safety, maintain public spaces, support local businesses, and coordinate city services in these areas. Each authority will have a governing board of residents and business representatives, funded through dedicated local revenue streams like parking fees (e.g., from the U Street Performance Parking Zone), without requiring property tax increases. The bill aims to address specific community needs identified in prior initiatives, such as the U Street Safety Initiative and Columbia Heights Public Life Study, by enabling hyper-local management of resources and services. This structure is designed to help these neighborhoods thrive amid rapid development and growing public space demands.