| Regulatory/Legislative
The District Department of the Environment (DDOE) is very active in legislation dealing with energy issues. The administrator of legislative issues is the Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Division (RLAD) of DDOE.
DC Municipal Aggregation Program (MAP)
The DC MAP seeks to combine the purchasing powers of the DC government, Washington Area Sewer Authority (WASA), and the District's universities, colleges and hospitals as it relates to the purchase of electricity. The aim is to secure an electricity rate that is below that of the Standard Offer Service (SOS). The District government will be able to avoid $2.7 million in electricity charges over a two-year period, which will end in 2007. This was accomplished through an Internet-based reverse auction technique.
Legislative Initiatives
DDOE participates in legislative issues before the DC Council to pursue the establishment of conservation programs and policies which foster energy efficiency and affordable services.
Rate Case Intervention
DDOE participates in cases before the DC Public Service Commission to pursue the establishment of utility rates, conservation programs and policies which foster energy efficiency and affordable services.
Utility Rate Restructuring
The DC Energy Office is involved in advising the DC government and residents on issues related to deregulation of electric, gas and telecommunications.
Administration of the Reliable Energy Trust Fund (RETF)
Pursuant to the District of Columbia Retail Electric Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 1999, the DC Public Service Commission was required to establish a universal service program to assist low-income customers in the District of Columbia. The act further provided for the establishment of programs that will promote energy efficiency and encourage the use of electricity from renewable energy sources. On July 9, 2003, the Public Service Commission issued Order No. 12778 which designated the former DC Energy Office as the administrator of the RETF and the energy efficiency and renewable energy resource programs.
The RLAD is responsible for the actual administration of the RETF and for filing all quarterly reports and other request to the Public Service Commission on behalf of the DDOE. View the Reliable Energy Trust Fund Programs
Administration of the Natural Gas Trust Fund (NGTF)
On January 28, 2005, the DC Council enacted the Omnibus Utility Emergency Amendment Act of 2005. Under this act, the city council established the NGTF which requires that the Public Service Commission promote energy efficiency in the District of Columbia. The act requires that the former DC Energy Office administer the program.
The RLAD is responsible for the actual administration of the NGTF and for filing all quarterly reports and other request to the Public Service Commission on behalf of the DDOE.
Gas Station Advisory Board (GSAB)
The GSAB reviews requests, inspects, and monitors the conversion of gas station dealers from full-service to self-service. The board also produced a guide that provides an update on automotive services in the District of Columbia. The guide serves as a valuable tool for all District residents, commuters and tourists in the nation's capital, helping to identify, locate and utilize automotive services to meet their needs. Legislation to convert from a full-service to self-service station (Gas-n-Go) has been strengthened and made permanent.
Residential Energy Assistance Challenge Program (REACH)
REACH is funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services Amendments of 1994 and is designed to help low-income households cope with energy price vulnerability. The goal of the REACH Campaign is to inform qualified residents about energy programs that could assist them in fulfilling the objectives of the Department of Health and Human Services. Representatives can be found throughout the city and are available to help DC's low-income residents sign up for a comprehensive array of energy programs administered by DDOE and other government and private agencies. In 2005, the DC REACH Campaign was again funded $1.1 million dollars by the Department of Health and Human Services to continue to assist DC residents with their energy issues.
Be Warm, Be Well
The Be Warm, Be Well Campaign is a component of the DC REACH Campaign designed to reach out to qualified DC residents who are chronically ill. The information is distributed throughout the health clinics in DC with the purpose of informing DC residents about an array of energy assistance programs available and to assist them in applying to the programs. Be Warm, Be Well tells DC residents about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Utility Discount Programs (UDP) as ways of combating rising energy costs. This campaign allows DC residents to sign up for energy assistance by requesting an application. DC REACH Coordinators throughout the city will assist them in applying.
For more information on these programs please contact Ralph McMillan: ralph.mcmillan@dc.gov or (202) 673-6750. | 
