D.C. utilities would automatically enroll eligible households once enacted and funded

Electric, gas, and water utilities would check eligibility and automatically enroll households referred by D.C.’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). Enrollment would cover the Residential Aid Discount for electricity, Residential Essential Services for gas, and Customer Assistance Program for water. Households must meet the program’s eligibility rules. The measure would need mayoral approval or a veto override, congressional review, and funding in an approved budget and financial plan. Utilities would have 60 days after receiving household account numbers to check eligibility and enroll households. Within 60 days after enrollment, they would send program details, the expected benefit start date, and instructions for leaving at any time.

DOEE would use public benefit records to identify eligible households for automatic enrollment. DOEE could choose which utility aid programs and other DOEE programs based on household income to include. DOEE could prioritize households based on income or need when funding or other limits prevent enrolling everyone. It would not have to include the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program or the Weatherization Assistance Program. DOEE would implement the process within one year after funding is included in an approved budget and financial plan, provided the measure takes effect.

Public benefit agencies and utilities would provide records requested by DOEE to identify and enroll eligible households. Records would cover income-based programs run by D.C.’s human services and health agencies, plus customer data from electric, gas, and water utilities. Benefit agencies would need a household member’s explicit consent and must follow confidentiality rules before sharing records. DOEE could share personal details only for administering enrollment, checking information, research, evaluation, and analysis. These duties would apply once the measure takes effect and its costs are included in an approved budget and financial plan.