Protesters in the District registered their displeasure today over proposed Pepco rate hikes.
A group called Our DC held a New Orleans-style funeral in front of the Public Service Commission's headquarters near Metro Center. No one has died, but protesters want the commission to bury Pepco's proposal to hike rates by $42.5 million.
Pepco argues it needs the money to upgrade its electricity delivery infrastructure, but protesters point out that the utility company has earned $1.2 billion in profits and enjoyed $500 million in tax breaks since 2008. The company should use that money for needed upgrades, argue protesters.
Our DC also says that Pepco has been ranked among the worst utility companies in the nation over the past few years and does not deserve a pay raise.
Today's Public Service Commission hearing is the last public forum before the commission votes on the hike. Protesters planned to stage a "funeral procession" to the PSC's offices at 1333 H Street NW. Protesters demonstrated outside and also attended the hearing.
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