reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 15 - Retail Electric Competition and Consumer Protection › § 34–1520. Conformity with settlement agreements

§ 34–1520. Conformity with settlement agreements.
Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to require the Commission to modify, set aside, or otherwise adjust the terms of a settlement approved by the Commission in Formal Case No. 945. To the extent the existence of a settlement obviates the need for proceedings or findings as are referred to in this chapter, the Commission may dispense with the proceedings or findings.
(May 9, 2000, D.C. Law 13-107, § 120, 47 DCR 1091.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 15 - Retail Electric Competition and Consumer Protection › § 34–1521. Consumer disclosure requirements

§ 34–1521. Consumer disclosure requirements.
(a) An entity selling or reselling an interest in a community renewable energy facility shall provide a disclosure to the potential subscriber that includes the following, prior to the sale or resale of that subscription:
(1) A good faith estimate of the annual kilowatt hours to be delivered by the community renewable energy facility based on the size of the subscriber’s interest;
(2) A plain language explanation of the terms under which the bill credits will be calculated;
(3) A plain language explanation of the contract provisions regulating the disposition or transfer of the subscription; and
(4) A plain language explanation of the costs and benefits to the potential subscriber based on the subscriber’s current usage and applicable tariff, for the term of the proposed contract.
(b) The Mayor or his or her designee may require that any entity engaged in the sale or resale of a subscription in a community renewable energy facility provide additional disclosure to the buyer or lessee, the Mayor, or both.
(c) All contracts for the sale or resale of a subscription in a community renewable energy facility for use in a residential dwelling may be reviewed by the Mayor or his or her designee upon request.
(d) The Mayor pursuant to subchapter 1 of Chapter 5 of Title 2 [§ 2-501 et seq.], may issue rules to carry out the disclosure requirements contained in this section.
(May 9, 2000, D.C. Law 13-107, § 121; as added Dec. 13, 2013, D.C. Law 20-47, § 2(e), 60 DCR 15138.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 20-47 added this section.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 15 - Retail Electric Competition and Consumer Protection › § 34–1522. Recovery of CREF implementation costs

§ 34–1522. Recovery of CREF implementation costs.
Pursuant to §§ 34-1101 and 34-901, the electric company may seek recovery of any costs associated with the implementation of this chapter in a base rate case. In a base rate case filing that includes recovery of such costs, the electric company shall include in its filing with the Commission any benefits and costs to the electric company. Any recovery of the net costs by the electric company approved by the Commission shall occur solely through a rate assessment of the subscribers.
(May 9, 2000, D.C. Law 13-107, § 122; as added Dec. 13, 2013, D.C. Law 20-47, § 2(e), 60 DCR 15138.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 20-47 added this section.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 15A - Installation of Submetering Equipment › § 34–1551. Definitions

§ 34–1551. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Building” means all of the individual units served through the same utility-owned meter within a property defined as Class 2 Property under § 47-813(c-6).
(2) “Building owner, operator, or manager” means any person or entity responsible for the operation and management of a building.
(3) “Commission” means the Public Service Commission.
(4) “Energy allocation equipment” means any device, other than submetering equipment, used to determine approximate electric or natural gas usage for any nonresidential rental unit within a building.
(5) “Electricity supplier” shall have the same meaning as in § 34-1501(17).
(6) “Natural gas supplier” shall have the same meaning as in § 34-1671.02(12).
(7) “Nonresidential rental unit” means real property leased for commercial purposes.
(8) “Owner-paid areas” means the portion of the real property for which the owner bears financial responsibility for energy costs, which portions include areas outside individual units or in owner-occupied or shared areas.
(9) “Public utility,” “utility,” or “utility company” shall have the same meaning as in § 34-214.
(10) “Submetering equipment” means equipment used to measure actual electricity or natural gas usage in any nonresidential rental unit when the equipment is not owned or controlled by the electric or natural gas utility serving the building in which the nonresidential rental unit is located.
(Oct. 22, 2008, D.C. Law 17-250, § 701, 55 DCR 9225.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 701 of Clean and Affordable Energy Emergency Act of 2008 (D.C. Act 17-508, September 25, 2008, 55 DCR 10856).
Editor's Notes
Section 801 of D.C. Law 17-250 provided: “Sec. 801. Applicability. This act shall apply on the later of October 1, 2008, or the effective date of this act.”
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 15A - Installation of Submetering Equipment › § 34–1553. Energy submetering and energy allocation equipment

§ 34–1553. Energy submetering and energy allocation equipment.
(a) Energy submetering equipment or energy allocation equipment may be used in a building if it is authorized in the rental agreement or lease for the nonresidential rental unit. All energy submetering equipment and energy allocation equipment shall meet the requirements and standards established and enforced by the Commission pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.
(b)(1) If energy submetering equipment or energy allocation equipment is used in any building, the building owner, operator, or manager shall bill the tenant for electricity or natural gas for the same billing period as the utility, the electricity supplier, or the natural gas supplier serving the building, unless the rental agreement or lease expressly provides otherwise.
(2) A late payment charge shall not be imposed on all amounts, including deferred payment installments, paid by the due date or on amounts in dispute before the Commission. Amounts paid after the due date shall bear a late payment charge of 1%, and an additional late payment charge at the rate of 1 1/2% on the remaining unpaid balance per billing month thereafter.
(c) Energy allocation equipment shall be tested periodically under Commission rules by the building owner, operator, or manager. Upon the request by a tenant, the building owner, operator, or manager shall test the energy allocation equipment without charge. The test shall be conducted without charge to the tenant and shall not be conducted more frequently than once in a 24-month period for the same tenant. The tenant or his designated representative may be present during the testing of the energy allocation equipment. A written report of the results of the test shall be made to the tenant within 10 business days after the completion of the test.
(d) A building owner, operator, or manager shall maintain adequate records regarding energy submetering equipment or energy allocation equipment. A tenant may inspect and copy the records for the nonresidential unit during reasonable business hours at a convenient location within the building. The building owner, operator, or manager may impose and collect a reasonable charge for copying documents, reflecting the actual costs of materials and labor for copying, prior to providing copies of the records to the tenant.
(e) Notwithstanding any enforcement action undertaken by the Commission pursuant to its authority under § 34-1552, tenants and owners, operators, or managers shall retain any private right of action resulting from any breach of the rental agreement or lease terms required by this section or § 34-1552.
(Oct. 22, 2008, D.C. Law 17-250, § 703, 55 DCR 9225.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 34-1552.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 703 of Clean and Affordable Energy Emergency Act of 2008 (D.C. Act 17-508, September 25, 2008, 55 DCR 10856).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 15B - Advanced Metering Infrastructure › § 34–1561. Definitions

§ 34–1561. Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Advanced Metering Infrastructure” or “AMI” means a system capable of providing 2-way communication with metering equipment to gather at least hourly energy consumption data on a daily basis for all customers.
(2) “ARRA” means the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, approved February 17, 2009 (123 Stat. 115; 26 U.S.C. § 1, note).
(3) “Commission” means the Public Service Commission.
(4) “Customer” shall have the same meaning as set forth in § 34-1501(12).
(5) “Electric company” shall have the same meaning as set forth in § 34-207.
(6) “Meter Data Management System” means a system that provides a single data repository which can gather data from multiple metering systems and then supply that data to multiple applications such as billing, forecasting, customer service, system operation and maintenance.
(7) “Regulatory asset” means specific costs that a public utility may defer to its balance sheet and accrue earnings thereon at its authorized rate of return.
(8) “Smart Grid” means the installation of advanced technology to enhance the operation of the electric distribution and transmission system.
(Mar. 3, 2010, D.C. Law 18-111, § 2161, 57 DCR 181.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 2 of Advanced Metering Infrastructure Implementation and Cost Recovery Authorization Emergency Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-107, June 18, 2009, 56 DCR 4929).
For temporary (90 day) additions, see §§ 2001, 2002 of Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-187, August 26, 2009, 56 DCR 7374).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 2161 of Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Support Second Emergency Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-207, October 15, 2009, 56 DCR 8234).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 2161 of Fiscal Year Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-260, January 4, 2010, 57 DCR 345).
Short Title
Short title: Section 2160 of D.C. Law 18-111 provided that subtitle Q of title II of the act may be cited as the “Advanced Metering Infrastructure Implementation and Cost Recovery Authorization Act of 2009”.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 15B - Advanced Metering Infrastructure › § 34–1562. Authorization of Advanced Metering Infrastructure implementation (Smart Grid) and cost recovery

§ 34–1562. Authorization of Advanced Metering Infrastructure implementation (Smart Grid) and cost recovery.
(a) The electric company may implement an Advanced Metering Infrastructure for all consumers, provided, that the electric company obtains a sufficient amount of federal funds for AMI implementation under the ARRA. The sufficiency of the amount of the federal funds obtained shall be determined by the Commission. The Commission shall make a determination of the sufficiency of federal funds obtained within no more than 60 days after the receipt of notice from the electric company of the amount of federal funds awarded.
(b) The electric company may establish a regulatory asset for the costs, net of the amount of the ARRA funds received, including depreciation and amortization expense, incurred by the electric company between base rate cases for the implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure, including the amortization expense of the Meter Data Management System, the depreciation expense on the AMI meters, and the undepreciated net book costs of the meters replaced by the AMI meters. The regulatory asset shall accrue a return at the electric company’s authorized rate of return on the balance in the regulatory asset.
(c) The creation of a regulatory asset for Advanced Metering Infrastructure shall not affect the authority of the Commission to review the prudence of costs associated with implementation of AMI. In any Commission proceeding reviewing the costs, the electric company shall have the burden to prove that all of the costs have been prudently incurred.
(d) The electric company shall net any utility cost savings resulting from AMI deployment from the regulatory asset.
(Mar. 3, 2010, D.C. Law 18-111, § 2162, 57 DCR 181.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 3 of Advanced Metering Infrastructure Implementation and Cost Recovery Authorization Emergency Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-107, June 18, 2009, 56 DCR 4929).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 2003 of Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-187, August 26, 2009, 56 DCR 7374).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 2162 of Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Support Second Emergency Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-207, October 15, 2009, 56 DCR 8234).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 2162 of Fiscal Year Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-260, January 4, 2010, 57 DCR 345).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16 - Gas Companies › § 34–1601. Inspector of Gas and Meters

§ 34–1601. Inspector of Gas and Meters.
A suitable and impartial person, competent as a chemist, who is not a stockholder or employee in any gas works, shall be appointed by the Public Service Commission to be designated and known as Inspector of Gas and Meters, whose duties shall be to test and determine the illuminating power and purity of the gas furnished by any company, person, or persons in the District of Columbia; and to test, prove, and seal all meters that may be hereafter used by them. The Inspector shall give bond to the extent of double his annual salary, and shall take an oath or affirmation, before some officer legally qualified to administer the same, that he will faithfully, diligently, and impartially discharge the duties of his office.
(June 23, 1874, 18 Stat. 278, 279, ch. 480, §§ 2, 10; Aug. 30, 1964, 78 Stat. 634, Pub. L. 88-503, § 21.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-1005.
1973 Ed., § 43-605.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16 - Gas Companies › § 34–1602. Laboratory for testing gas of Washington Gas Light Company

§ 34–1602. Laboratory for testing gas of Washington Gas Light Company.
A laboratory shall be provided and fitted up by the Washington Gas Light Company, subject to the approval of the Public Service Commission, in the central part of the City of Washington, at a distance as near as may be, of 2,000 feet from any gasworks, and furnished with suitable apparatus for the transaction of the business of the Inspector and Assistant Inspectors of Gas and Meters, for which it is intended, and the laboratory shall be kept open on all business days between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; provided, that the cost of fitting up said laboratory shall be paid for by each gas company in the District of Columbia in proportion to their sale of gas for the year 1873.
(June 23, 1874, 18 Stat. 278, ch. 480, § 3; Mar. 3, 1893, 27 Stat. 543, ch. 199; Mar. 11, 1902, 32 Stat. 63, ch. 181; Mar. 4, 1913, 37 Stat. 974, ch. 150, § 8, par. 1; Aug. 30, 1964, 78 Stat. 634, Pub. L. 88-503, § 21.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-1101.
1973 Ed., § 43-1201.
Cross References
Gas and electric meters, inspections, rules and regulations, see § 34-303.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16 - Gas Companies › § 34–1604. Officer of company may be present at tests

§ 34–1604. Officer of company may be present at tests.
The company, person or persons furnishing the gas may, if they see fit, on each occasion of the testing of the gas by the Inspector, be represented by some officer, but such officer shall not interfere in the testing.
(June 23, 1874, 18 Stat. 278, ch. 480, § 4; July 1, 1882, 22 Stat. 138, ch. 263, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-1103.
1973 Ed., § 43-1203.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16 - Gas Companies › § 34–1605. Daily inspections

§ 34–1605. Daily inspections.
Daily inspections, Sundays excepted, shall be made at any time after 12:00 noon and before 12:00 midnight, in the discretion of the Inspector of Gas and Meters.
(June 23, 1874, 18 Stat. 278, ch. 480, § 5; Mar. 3, 1893, 27 Stat. 543, ch. 199.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-1104.
1973 Ed., § 43-1204.
Cross References
Gas and electric corporations, Public Service Commission powers and duties, see § 34-301.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16 - Gas Companies › § 34–1606. Removal of gas meters for neglect or refusal to pay amount due

§ 34–1606. Removal of gas meters for neglect or refusal to pay amount due.
If any person or persons, supplied with gas, neglect or refuse to pay the amount due for the same, such company may stop the gas from entering the premises of such person or persons. In no case shall the officers, servants, or workmen of the company remove a meter from premises supplied by the company, unless by consent of the consumer, without first giving 48 hours notice in writing by leaving the same at the premises of the consumers; and said removal shall take place only between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. It shall be lawful for Congress at any time hereafter to alter, amend, or repeal this section.
(June 23, 1874, 18 Stat. 280, ch. 480, §§ 13, 14.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-1105.
1973 Ed., § 43-1205.
Cross References
Gas and electric corporations, excessive charges defense, see § 34-304.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16 - Gas Companies › § 34–1607. Annual reports to Congress

§ 34–1607. Annual reports to Congress.
Any association or corporation engaged in the manufacture and sale of gas for illuminating and fuel purposes in the District of Columbia, through its president or other duly authorized officer, shall make a sworn statement to Congress annually, on or before the 1st day of February in each year. Said report shall contain a detailed statement of the condition of the business of said association or corporation for the year ending December 31st next preceding, and such statement shall set forth the actual cost and also present value of the property of such association or corporation used in the conduct of its business, the amount of paid-up capital stock, the amount and character of the indebtedness of such association or corporation, the amount and cost of materials used in making gas, the amount of gas manufactured, the amount of gas sold, the average price per 1,000 cubic feet received for gas sold, the revenue from the sale of all by-products, the revenues from all other sources, the extensions and improvements made in the plant and works, the actual cost of the same, the amount expended for labor, the amount set aside for depreciation, the amount set apart for insurance and renewals, the amount paid out of earnings for betterments, the amount paid for betterments from other sources, the amount set aside and paid in interest and dividends, the surplus after paying the operating expenses and fixed charges, the statement of the operating expenses to be itemized and classified as is done by other public utility corporations, in the District of Columbia, the names of the stockholders and the amount of the stock held in such association or corporation by each of them on December 31st next preceding the date of such report.
(Mar. 2, 1907, 34 Stat. 1133, ch. 2510, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-1106.
1973 Ed., § 43-1206.
Cross References
Utility service, valuation and accounts, reports to Commission, notice to People’s Counsel, disclosure, see § 34-1118.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16 - Gas Companies › § 34–1608. Maximum rates for gas; additional charge for nonpayment of bills

§ 34–1608. Maximum rates for gas; additional charge for nonpayment of bills.
(a) No part of any money appropriated by any act shall be used for the payment to the Washington Gas Light Company or the Georgetown Gas Light Company for any gas furnished by said companies for use in any of the public buildings of the United States or the District of Columbia at a rate in excess of $.70 per 1,000 cubic feet.
(b) The Washington Gas Light Company shall not charge or collect for gas furnished a private consumer in any part of the District of Columbia a rate in excess of $.75 per 1,000 cubic feet of gas so furnished; provided, that if a consumer of gas other than the government or the District of Columbia shall not pay monthly any gas bill within 10 days after the same shall have been presented said gas company may charge and collect from any such consumer so failing to pay said gas bill as aforesaid $.10 additional for each 1,000 cubic feet of gas presented by said bill; and provided further, that nothing contained in this section shall be construed as limiting or taking away any of the powers vested by law in the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia.
(c) The Georgetown Gas Light Company shall not be permitted to charge or collect more than $.85 per 1,000 cubic feet for gas for cooking, illuminating, or other purposes.
(Sept. 1, 1916, 39 Stat. 716, ch. 433, § 6; Aug. 30, 1964, 78 Stat. 634, Pub. L. 88-503, § 21.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-1107.
1973 Ed., § 43-1207.
Cross References
Rate change procedures, appeal and review, see § 34-901.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16A - Unauthorized Switching of Customer Natural Gas Accounts › § 34–1631. Definitions. [Repealed]

§ 34–1631. Definitions. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Oct. 3, 2001, D.C. Law 14-28, § 3602, 48 DCR 6981; Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 18, 51 DCR 10549.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition of section, see § 3302 of Fiscal Year 2002 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-124, August 3, 2001, 48 DCR 7861).
For temporary (90 day) addition of section, see § 2 of Prevention of Unauthorized Switching of Customer Natural Gas Accounts Emergency Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-31, April 2, 2001, 48 DCR 3338).
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 day) addition, see § 2 of Prevention of Unauthorized Switching of Customer Natural Gas Accounts Temporary Act of 2001 (D.C. Law 14-13, July 10, 2001, law notification 48 DCR 6589).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16A - Unauthorized Switching of Customer Natural Gas Accounts › § 34–1632. Role, duties, and powers of the Commission. [Repealed]

§ 34–1632. Role, duties, and powers of the Commission. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Oct. 3, 2001, D.C. Law 14-28, § 3603, 48 DCR 6981; Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 18, 51 DCR 10549.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition of section, see § 3303 of Fiscal Year 2002 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-124, August 3, 2001, 48 DCR 7861).
For temporary (90 day) addition of section, see § 3 of Prevention of Unauthorized Switching of Customer Natural Gas Accounts Emergency Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-31, April 2, 2001, 48 DCR 3338).
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 day) addition, see § 3 of Prevention of Unauthorized Switching of Customer Natural Gas Accounts Temporary Act of 2001 (D.C. Law 14-13, July 10, 2001, law notification 48 DCR 6589).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16A - Unauthorized Switching of Customer Natural Gas Accounts › § 34–1633. Consumer protections. [Repealed]

§ 34–1633. Consumer protections. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Oct. 3, 2001, D.C. Law 14-28, § 3604, 48 DCR 6981; Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 18, 51 DCR 10549.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition of section, see § 3304 of Fiscal Year 2002 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-124, August 3, 2001, 48 DCR 7861).
For temporary (90 day) addition of section, see § 4 of Prevention of Unauthorized Switching of Customer Natural Gas Accounts Emergency Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-31, April 2, 2001, 48 DCR 3338).
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 day) addition, see § 4 of Prevention of Unauthorized Switching of Customer Natural Gas Accounts Temporary Act of 2001 (D.C. Law 14-13, July 10, 2001, law notification 48 DCR 6589).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16A - Unauthorized Switching of Customer Natural Gas Accounts › § 34–1634. Investigation of violations and penalties for violations. [Repealed]

§ 34–1634. Investigation of violations and penalties for violations. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Oct. 3, 2001, D.C. Law 14-28, § 3605, 48 DCR 6981; Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 18, 51 DCR 10549.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition of section, see § 3305 of Fiscal Year 2002 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-124, August 3, 2001, 48 DCR 7861).
For temporary (90 day) addition of section, see § 5 of Prevention of Unauthorized Switching of Customer Natural Gas Accounts Emergency Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-31, April 2, 2001, 48 DCR 3338).
For temporary (90 day) addition of § 34-1635, see § 6 of Prevention of Unauthorized Switching of Customer Natural Gas Accounts Emergency Act of 2001 (D.C. Act 14-31, April 2, 2001, 48 DCR 3338).
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 day) additions, see §§ 5, 6 of Prevention of Unauthorized Switching of Customer Natural Gas Accounts Temporary Act of 2001 (D.C. Law 14-13, July 10, 2001, law notification 48 DCR 6589).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16B - Natural Gas Trust Fund › § 34–1651. Natural Gas Trust Fund; public purpose programs. [Repealed]

§ 34–1651. Natural Gas Trust Fund; public purpose programs. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(Apr. 12, 2005, D.C. Law 15-342, § 101, 52 DCR 2346; Oct, 20, 2005, D.C. Law 16-33, § 2191, 52 DCR 7503; Mar. 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-192, § 2072, 53 DCR 6899; Sept. 18, 2007, D.C. Law 17-20, § 2082, 54 DCR 7052; Oct 22, 2008, D.C. Law 17-250, § 212(b)(1), 55 DCR 9225.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 101 of Omnibus Utility Emergency Amendment Act of 2005 (D.C. Act 16-12, January 28, 2005, 52 DCR 2945).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 2191 of Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2005 (D.C. Act 16-168, July 26, 2005, 52 DCR 7667).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 2072 of Fiscal Year 2007 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2006 (D.C. Act 16-477, August 8, 2006, 53 DCR 7068).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 2072 of Fiscal Year 2007 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2006 (D.C. Act 16-499, October 23, 2006, 53 DCR 8845).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 2072 of Fiscal Year 2007 Budget Support Congressional Review Emergency Act of 2007 (D.C. Act 17-1, January 16, 2007, 54 DCR 1165).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 2082 of Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2007 (D.C. Act 17-74, July 25, 2007, 54 DCR 7549).
For temporary (90 day) repeal of section, see § 212(b) of Clean and Affordable Energy Emergency Act of 2008 (D.C. Act 17-508, September 25, 2008, 55 DCR 10856).
Short Title
Short title of subtitle K of title II of Law 16-33: Section 2191 of D.C. Law 16-33 provided that subtitle K of title II of the act may be cited as the Natural Gas Fund Amendment Act of 2005.
Short title: Section 2071 of D.C. Law 16-192 provided that subtitle F of title II of the act may be cited as the “Natural Gas Trust Fund Amendment Act of 2006”.
Short title: Section 2081 of D.C. Law 17-20 provided that subtitle I of title II of the act may be cited as the “Natural Gas Trust Fund Amendment Act of 2007”.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16C - Retail Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › § 34–1671.01. Findings

§ 34–1671.01. Findings.
The Council of the District of Columbia finds that:
(1) It is in the public interest to promote the availability to customers of adequate, reliable, and reasonably priced retail natural gas from licensed natural gas suppliers that provide customers with the price, terms, conditions, and quality options they elect to meet their respective natural gas needs.
(2) It is the intent of this chapter to:
(A) Clarify existing law regarding the provision of competitive retail natural gas supply in the District of Columbia;
(B) Require the Public Service Commission to license retail natural gas suppliers;
(C) Authorize the Public Service Commission to adopt complaint procedures; and
(D) Establish standards for the protection of customers so that:
(i) Customers have access to reliable, safe, and affordable retail natural gas sales, including high quality customer service; and
(ii)(I) Customers have the right to receive accurate, easily understood information about natural gas suppliers, services, plans, terms and conditions, and rights and remedies.
(II) The information must be unbiased, accurate, and understandable in a written form, that allows for comparison of prices and terms of service.
(3) Customers are protected from unfair, deceptive, fraudulent, and anticompetitive practices, including practices such as cramming, slamming, and providing deceptive information regarding billing terms and conditions of service.
(4) Customers receive accurate and timely bills from their natural gas suppliers.
(5) Customers are entitled to protection of their privacy and are protected from improper use of their customer records or payment histories without their express consent.
(6) Customers have the right to a fair and efficient process for resolving disputes with natural gas suppliers.
(Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 2, 51 DCR 10549.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16C - Retail Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › § 34–1671.03. Role, duties, and powers of the Commission

§ 34–1671.03. Role, duties, and powers of the Commission.
(a) The Commission shall adopt regulations or issue orders to:
(1) Govern the licensing and the revocation, suspension, or surrender of a natural gas supplier license;
(2) Implement customer protections;
(3) Establish procedural rules for complaints, investigations, and dispositional hearings;
(4) Impose a civil penalty or other remedy;
(5) Require that residential customers’ bills indicate, as an individual line item, charges for retail natural gas sales;
(6) Establish reasonable requirements for solicitation of residential customers;
(7) Establish uniform contract terms, except as to price, for the enrollment agreement for residential customers;
(8) Establish reasonable procedures for contracting between residential customers and natural gas suppliers;
(9) Establish reasonable requirements and limitations relating to deposits, billing, contract cancellations, and disconnections of residential customers; and
(10) Establish minimum service quality, safety, and reliability standards.
(b) The Commission shall adopt any other regulations, or issue any other orders, consistent with the policies enunciated in this chapter that are necessary to ensure the development of a competitive market for retail natural gas, billing, and any component of retail natural gas sales declared to be a potentially competitive service.
(Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 4, 51 DCR 10549.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16C - Retail Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › § 34–1671.04. Consent to District of Columbia jurisdiction

§ 34–1671.04. Consent to District of Columbia jurisdiction.
Any licensee or other person who knowingly engages in business activities that are regulated under this chapter, with or without filing an application, is deemed to have consented to the jurisdiction of the Commission and the courts of the District of Columbia, for an action arising under this chapter.
(Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 5, 51 DCR 10549.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16C - Retail Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › § 34–1671.06. Duties of the gas company

§ 34–1671.06. Duties of the gas company.
(a) The gas company shall provide distribution services to all customers and natural gas suppliers on rates, terms, and conditions that are comparable to the gas company’s own use of its distribution system. The gas company shall not operate its distribution systems in a manner that favors the natural gas supply of the gas company’s affiliates and shall not price its services in a manner that impedes competition.
(b) The gas company shall comply with the following provisions with respect to its relationship with its customers:
(1) The gas company shall provide natural gas supplier choice information and facilitate enrollment of customers pursuant to the natural gas supplier choice education program approved by the Commission.
(2) The gas company shall provide, pursuant to the prices, terms, and conditions of its tariffs approved by the Commission, default service to those customers who do not select a natural gas supplier and to customers who chose a natural gas supplier but whose service is terminated by the customer or by the natural gas supplier for any reason.
(Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 7, 51 DCR 10549.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16C - Retail Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › § 34–1671.06a. Disconnection of service in extreme temperature prohibited

§ 34–1671.06a. Disconnection of service in extreme temperature prohibited.
(a) For the purposes of this section, the term “forecast of extreme temperature” means a National Weather Service forecast for the District of Columbia of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below during any time of a day.
(b) A gas company shall not disconnect residential gas service during the day preceding and the day of a forecast of extreme temperature or if the forecast of extreme temperature precedes a holiday or weekend day, on any day during the holiday or weekend.
(Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 7a; as added Mar. 9, 2016, D.C. Law 21-82, § 3, 63 DCR 772.)
Cross References
Disconnection of natural gas service in extreme temperature prohibited, §  34-1506.01.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) creation of a provision dealing with disconnection of service during a public health emergency, see § 307(d) of Coronavirus Support Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-96, June 7, 2021, 68 DCR 006025).
For temporary (90 days) creation of a provision dealing with disconnection of service during a public health emergency, see § 307(d) of Coronavirus Support Emergency Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Act 24-30, Mar. 17, 2021, 68 DCR 003101).
For temporary (90 days) creation of a provision dealing with disconnection of service during a public health emergency, see § 307(d) of Coronavirus Support Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-328, June 8, 2020, 67 DCR 7598).
For temporary (90 days) creation of a provision dealing with disconnection of service during a public health emergency, see § 307(d) of Coronavirus Support Emergency Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Act 23-326, May 27, 2020, 67 DCR 7045).
Temporary Legislation
For temporary (225 days) creation of a provision dealing with disconnection of service during a public health emergency, see § 307(d) of Coronavirus Support Temporary Amendment Act of 2021 (D.C. Law 24-9, June 24, 2021, 68 DCR 004824).
For temporary (225 days) creation of § 34-1671.06b, see § 307(d) of Coronavirus Support Temporary Amendment Act of 2020 (D.C. Law 23-130, Oct. 9, 2020, 67 DCR 8622).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16C - Retail Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › § 34–1671.07. Consumer education

§ 34–1671.07. Consumer education.
(a) The Commission shall order the gas company, in conjunction with the Office of the People’s Counsel and the District of Columbia Energy Office, to implement a consumer education program to inform residential customers of changes in the natural gas industry and provide natural gas supplier choice information.
(b) The consumer education program shall include the dissemination of information to enable residential customers to make informed choices about available licensed natural gas suppliers and the services they provide and suppliers, notification to residential natural gas customers of the right to submit their names for inclusion on a list of residential customers not wanting to receive solicitations from natural gas suppliers, and communication to residential customers of the consumer protection provisions of this chapter. The Commission shall ensure the neutrality of the content and message of the consumer education program’s advertisements and materials. The Commission shall promulgate standards for the recovery of consumer education program costs from residential customers which include reasonable measures and criteria to evaluate the success of the program in enhancing residential customer understanding of retail choice.
(c) As part of the consumer education program, the Commission shall develop and maintain information regarding residential rates charged and services provided by licensed natural gas suppliers to residential customers. The information required shall be:
(1) Readily understandable and formatted to provide a comparison of rates and services offered by natural gas suppliers; and
(2) Made available to the public through the ordinary means of publication by the Commission, including posting on the Internet, or such other means as determined by the Commission.
(d) Any dispute regarding the consumer education program mandated by this section shall be resolved by the Commission.
(Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 8, 51 DCR 10549.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16C - Retail Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › § 34–1671.09. Information to be provided to the Commission

§ 34–1671.09. Information to be provided to the Commission.
(a) A natural gas supplier shall provide the Commission with such information regarding its retail natural gas sales as the Commission considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. The Commission shall take such measures as it considers necessary to protect the confidentiality of such information.
(b) The Commission shall require a licensed natural gas supplier to file an annual financial report regarding those retail natural gas sales for which it is subject to licensure.
(Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 10, 51 DCR 10549.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16C - Retail Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › § 34–1671.10. Jurisdiction of the Commission and the Office of the People’s Counsel

§ 34–1671.10. Jurisdiction of the Commission and the Office of the People’s Counsel.
(a)(1) The Commission shall have jurisdiction upon the complaint of any person, the People’s Counsel, or on its own initiative regarding the provision by a licensed natural gas supplier of any service for which it is subject to licensure.
(2) The Commission shall have jurisdiction upon the complaint of any person, the People’s Counsel, or on its own initiative to determine whether a licensed natural gas supplier has violated or failed to comply with any provision of this chapter regarding retail natural gas sales for which it is subject to licensure or any regulation, rule, or order adopted or issued by the Commission.
(3) The Commission, after reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing, may conduct an investigation, and impose a penalty, for any violation of this chapter or any regulation or order adopted or issued by the Commission.
(b) The People’s Counsel may file a complaint under any provision of this chapter.
(c) The Commission shall, by regulation or order, establish procedures for complaints and for resolving disputes between the gas company, natural gas suppliers, and customers.
(Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 11, 51 DCR 10549.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16C - Retail Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › § 34–1671.12. Rights, remedies, prohibitions; cumulative

§ 34–1671.12. Rights, remedies, prohibitions; cumulative.
The rights, remedies, and prohibitions accorded by the provisions of this chapter are in addition to and cumulative of any right, remedy, or prohibition accorded by the common law or any statute of the District of Columbia and nothing contained herein shall be construed to deny, abrogate, or impair any such common law or statutory right, remedy, or prohibition.
(Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 13, 51 DCR 10549.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16C - Retail Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › § 34–1671.13. Application of District of Columbia and federal consumer protection laws

§ 34–1671.13. Application of District of Columbia and federal consumer protection laws.
This chapter shall not be construed to exempt natural gas suppliers from otherwise applicable District of Columbia or federal consumer protection laws.
(Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 14, 51 DCR 10549.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 16C - Retail Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › § 34–1671.14. Market power remediation

§ 34–1671.14. Market power remediation.
(a) The Commission and the People’s Counsel shall monitor the District of Columbia retail markets for natural gas supply and sales declared by the Commission to be potentially competitive services to ensure that the markets are not being adversely affected by anticompetitive conduct and anticompetitive conditions.
(b)(1) If, as a result of the monitoring efforts required by subsection (a) of this section or as a result of a complaint, the Commission determines that the District of Columbia retail markets for retail natural gas sales are being adversely affected by anticompetitive conduct or anticompetitive conditions, the Commission shall take remedial action to remedy the impact of the anticompetitive conduct or anticompetitive conditions.
(2)(A) If, as a result of the monitoring efforts required by this section, the Commission or the People’s Counsel obtain evidence that the retail markets for natural gas supply or sales declared by the Commission to be competitive services are being adversely affected by anticompetitive conduct or anticompetitive conditions other than the anticompetitive conduct or anticompetitive conditions described in paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission or the People’s Counsel shall transmit the evidence to the Attorney General, the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, and any other appropriate federal agency.
(B) The Commission or the People’s Counsel may request the Attorney General to issue a report to the Council within 6 months of the transmittal of evidence by the Commission or the People’s Counsel under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, explaining the course of its investigation, the actions that it has taken or plans to take, and the reasons for those actions. The failure of the Attorney General to bring an action within 6 months of the receipt of the transmittal shall not be deemed to eliminate the Attorney General’s otherwise existing authority to act. Any report submitted under this subsection shall not include information that may compromise any investigation.
(c) Nothing in this section shall affect the authority of the Attorney General to investigate or take action against anticompetitive conduct or anticompetitive conditions on its own initiative.
(Mar. 16, 2005, D.C. Law 15-227, § 15, 51 DCR 10549.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 17 - Ban on Automated Dialing Systems › § 34–1701. Ban on automated telephone dialing systems for commercial solicitation; definitions; prohibition; exceptions

§ 34–1701. Ban on automated telephone dialing systems for commercial solicitation; definitions; prohibition; exceptions.
(a) For the purposes of this section, the term:
(1) “Automated dialing or push-button or tone-activated address signaling telephone system with a prerecorded message” is any equipment used for telephone solicitation purposes, which alone or in conjunction with other equipment, can convey a prerecorded or synthesized voice message to the number called.
(2) “Soliciting” means any attempt to sell or lease consumer goods, services, or real property to another person.
(b)(1) A person may not use an automated dialing, push-button, or tone-activated address signaling telephone system with a prerecorded message for the sole purpose of:
(A) Soliciting a person over the telephone to purchase or lease goods, services, or real property; or
(B) Requesting survey information over the telephone where results are to be used directly for the purpose of soliciting a person to purchase or lease goods, services, or real property.
(2) This section shall not apply if:
(A) The person soliciting is a federal, state, or local government agency that uses an automated dialing prerecorded message for emergency purposes; or
(B) A person has a preexisting business relationship with the party called and the call concerns goods, services, or real property that have been previously ordered or purchased.
(3) Any automated, push-button, or tone-activated address signaling telephone system used in the District must automatically create a disconnect signal or on hook condition which allows the called party’s line to be released within 10 seconds after the called party hangs up.
(4) Any person who violates this section shall be fined a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for the 1st violation and not more than $5,000 for each subsequent violation.
(5) The Corporation Counsel of the District of Columbia, or his assistants, shall prosecute violations of this section in the name of the District of Columbia.
(July 13, 1991, D.C. Law 9-14, §§ 2, 3, 38 DCR 3384.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 43-1418.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 34 - Public Utilities › Chapter 17A - Digital Inclusion › § 34–1731.01. Findings and purposes

§ 34–1731.01. Findings and purposes.
(a) The Council finds that:
(1) Low-income residents and residents in economically disadvantaged areas of the District of Columbia are also likely to be digitally-disadvantaged in that they cannot afford access to the Internet or may lack the computer equipment and training necessary to benefit meaningfully from Internet access.
(2) Certain assets of the District, including light poles and buildings, may provide value to telecommunications carriers for the attachment of wireless network antennae and the deployment of broadband internet services.
(3) The District government does not have the funds to provide to digitally-disadvantaged residents the range of services necessary to afford Internet access and permit them to benefit meaningfully from that Internet access.
(4) By awarding one or more franchises that permit a telecommunications carrier to use District-owned assets such as buildings and poles on a nonexclusive basis in return for the provision of certain services to digitally-disadvantaged residents, the District government can meet the Internet access needs of these residents without additional cost or risk to the District.
(b) The purposes of this chapter are to:
(1) Obtain value for the District through the awarding of rights to use poles, buildings, and other assets of the District for telecommunications purposes; and
(2) Provide for the furnishing of benefits to digitally-disadvantaged residents of the District in exchange for a franchise to use poles, buildings, and other assets of the District for Internet-related telecommunications purposes.
(Mar. 2, 2007, D.C. Law 16-210, § 2, 53 DCR 9122.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 2 of Digital Inclusion Emergency Act of 2006 (D.C. Act 16-467, July 25, 2006, 53 DCR 6754).