DCPSC Kicks off Winter Ready DC to Help DC Residents Prepare for Winter

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (Commission) kicks off its third annual Winter Ready DC campaign from October to March.  Winter Ready DC encourages District residents to prepare their homes and businesses for winter to avoid high utility bills.

The campaign begins with a Winter Ready DC training for church, community and nonprofit leaders on October 4^th at 9:30 a.m., at the DCPSC, located at 1325 G Street N.W.  Leaders can speak directly to representatives from Pepco, Washington Gas, Verizon DC and DC Water about customer assistance programs. Attendees will also participate in home demonstrations to learn inexpensive ways to save energy and money.  NBC4 Chief Meteorologist, Doug Kammerer will make a special appearance to provide the DC Winter Weather Outlook. The training will be moderated by WHUR 96.3FM, Public Affairs Director Renee Nash. To register for the Winter Ready DC 2018 event and for more resources, DC residents can visit https://dcpsc.org/WinterReadyDC2018

The Commission also will give away 100 Winter Ready DC toolkits on Saturday October 20^th at 10:00 a.m. at Annie's Hardware, located at 3405 8th Street N.E.   The first 100 residents from DC will receive a toolkit to help them weatherize their home. 

"When citizens need assistance, many times they will look to their ANC representative, church or civic association to get their questions answered and learn what resources and programs are available to them," said Commission Chairman Betty Ann Kane. "Through Winter Ready DC, the Commission provides resources and tools to these community leaders so that they are better able to provide assistance and guidance to their community members."

Commissioner Willie L. Phillips emphasized that "Winter Ready DC is designed to partner and share information with community groups.  We want to ensure that District consumers- especially seniors, low-income and individuals with disabilities - have direct access to resources."

"The Commission's partnership with the community broadens the information network that helps get the available resources to those who need them as quickly as possible. No one should go without aid simply because they didn't know it was available," stated Commissioner Richard A. Beverly.  

This year, Winter Ready DC is an official Weather-Ready Nation Ambassadortm under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA).  This partnership is designed to improve the nation's readiness, responsiveness, and overall resilience against extreme weather, water and climate events.

Throughout the winter season, the DCPSC staff will attend community events throughout the District promoting winter preparedness as well as through the Commission website and social media platforms. 

The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia is an independent agency established by Congress in 1913 to regulate electric, natural gas, and telecommunications companies in the District of Columbia.

SOURCE Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia