D.C. City Council Enacts Utility Shutoff Moratorium Amid Rising Energy Costs
The D.C. City Council has passed emergency legislation to prevent the city's primary electricity provider, Pepco, from disconnecting services for customers who owe less than $1,000 for a period of 90 days. This measure, introduced by Janeese Lewis George, a socialist mayoral candidate and council member, aims to alleviate the financial burden on residents struggling with high energy bills. The legislation comes in response to the high cost of living in the city and aims to protect residents from losing power due to unpaid bills. However, the policy has sparked debate over its potential consequences, as it may encourage more residents to delay payments, similar to the effects seen during the federal eviction moratorium in the COVID-19 pandemic. 
