Pepco Customers Protest Over Proposed Rate Increase

WASHINGTON - A group called Our DC is protesting the proposed $42 million Pepco rate increase after the one-year anniversary that left thousands in the dark in the D.C.

The original plan was for the protesters to go right inside the Pepco Building, but were stopped by Maryland police officers. Customers say even though they didn't get in the lobby, their message is still being heard.

“It's disrespectful and it's unfair,” said Ashley Howard. “I have to choose whether I want to keep my lights on for my children or buy food for them.”

Protesters brought pennies saying it's all they have left. They said considering the long outages after big storms, Pepco has a lot of nerve.

“I thought it was preposterous,” said John Butler. “They made $800 million in profits. We think that that's just too much. We want them to take that $42 million off the table.”

Pepco said in a statement, “We are investing approximately a half billion dollars over five years to improve reliability and our focus right now is achieving that goal for our customers.”