Rate Plan Vacatur Interim Protections Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

Temporary electric shutoff protection for D.C. households

When a court cancels a Public Service Commission-approved multi-year rate plan, D.C. electric companies cannot disconnect eligible households for unpaid bills or fees. Protection runs from the court order until a new plan is approved and started, plus 15 calendar days. Single-family homes and separately metered apartments qualify when their average unpaid balance is $1,000 or less. For buildings without separate apartment meters, divide the property's total assigned unpaid balance by its number of units when disconnection is proposed. That per-unit average must be $1,000 or less, regardless of how much the owner or any tenant owes. The emergency law takes effect upon mayoral approval or a Council veto override and lasts no more than 90 days.