Empowering consumers with energy and telecommunications options
Looking to change your energy supplier?
Visit
DC Power Connect to learn more about your energy options and to
compare offers from electricity
suppliers.
Overview
Retail choice gives District residents and businesses the power to select their energy and telecommunications providers. Rather than being limited to a single utility company, you can choose from multiple licensed suppliers based on your priorities, whether that's finding a better rate, supporting renewable energy, or accessing additional services.
The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (DCPSC) oversees this competitive marketplace to ensure consumers have access to reliable service at fair prices while promoting innovation and customer choice.
What is Retail Choice?
The concept of retail choice separates the delivery of your utilities (provided by regulated utility companies that maintain the infrastructure) from the supply (which you can choose from competing providers). You'll still receive one bill and the same reliable service, but with more control over who supplies your energy or service.
Retail choice offers several benefits:
- Expanding your options: Choose from multiple licensed suppliers offering different rates, contract terms, and service features.
- Supporting your values: Choose renewable energy or suppliers aligned with your environmental goals.
- Enhancing competition: Encourage innovation and competitive pricing through market-based solutions.
- Maintaining reliability: Keep the same reliable infrastructure while gaining flexibility in who provides your service.
Your Energy Options
The District offers competitive markets for both electricity and natural gas, with dozens of licensed suppliers providing various rate structures, contract terms, and renewable energy options.
For detailed information about switching suppliers, understanding your bill, and comparing offers, visit DC Power Connect, the official retail choice site for the District of Columbia. This site provides a complete guide to energy choice and features:
- An interactive comparison tool for offers from electricity suppliers
- Lists of approved electric and natural gas suppliers
- Utility bill explanation resources
Telecommunications Choice
The DCPSC also regulates traditional landline telephone services in the District. This market includes both the incumbent provider, Verizon DC, and multiple competitive carriers offering options for local phone service.
Learn more about telecommunications provider choice, including available carriers and how to switch.
Consumer Protections
As a utility consumer in the District, you have a number of rights and responsibilities. The Consumer Bill of Rights (CBOR) outlines these and applies to all interactions between consumers and retail suppliers. The CBOR protects you from utility scams and misleading sales practices by providing:
- The right to a 3-day cancellation period for door-to-door sales
- Requirements for clear contract terms and pricing
- Protection against unauthorized switching (aka "slamming")
- Access to complaint resolution through the DCPSC
Learn more about responding to solicitations from retail suppliers at DC Power Connect.
For all questions about retail choice, filing complaints, or consumer assistance, contact the DCPSC Office of Consumer Services or call (202) 626-5120.
Additional Tools and Resources
Utility bill calculators
Learn to identify and report fraudulent utility schemes, scams, and misleading sales practices at Fight Utility Scams.