Ed. Note: The Office of PoPville has been warning about these techniques for YEARS, most recently in April.
From the DCAG’s Office:
“Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today issued the below consumer alert to warn DC residents about third-party energy companies using deceptive and potentially illegal sales tactics to pressure or trick DC consumers into switching energy providers. These third-party energy companies also often charge more for energy than Pepco or Washington Gas. (more…)
Update:
“As of 5:30 p.m. service has been restored to all homes, businesses, and apartments affected by the water main break and has been updated below. Work continues on road repairs.”
“DC Water is nearing the completion of repairs on a broken 8-inch water main on Martin Luther King Jr. Ave Southeast; however, motorists are advised to continue to steer clear of the road. It’s expected to remain closed between Howard Rd and Talbert Street through Tuesday and possibly longer.
Water service is expected to be restored to homes, businesses, and apartments affected by the water main break later this evening. Work will then begin to stabilize and reconstruct the compromised road. This is expected to require the entire road to remain closed, curb to curb, for repair and repaving.
Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes such as I-295 to avoid lengthy delays in the area. Those unable to avoid the area should maintain caution and adhere to the following detours: (more…)
From DC Water on Friday:
“DC Water is preparing for emergency repairs on a large sewer line next to Rock Creek, after discovering significant structural issues. The six-foot pipeline, known as the Rock Creek Main Interceptor, carries as much as 100 million gallons of wastewater a day and could cause significant environmental harm if a failure occurred. (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
I’m reaching out because I’ve been caught in a pretty frustrating situation with Washington Gas, and I’m curious if anyone has ever dealt with something similar.
I moved into a one-bedroom apartment (~650 sqft) about a year ago. For the first 7 months, my monthly gas bill was in the $30–40 range, which matched what the previous tenant had paid (they lived here for five years and never saw a bill over $40). The tenant below me (who has a larger apartment) also tracks that range similarly. Based on my past apartments and shared housing situations, that seemed totally normal.
Then, out of nowhere, my January bill jumped to $600. After a few calls, (more…)
photo by Jeanette.Cook
From DC Water:
“It’s that time of year, when you start your spring cleaning and DC Water does too! Beginning on March 24 through May 4, we’ll be disinfecting our 1300 miles of water lines. It’s part of routine maintenance every spring to keep the pipes clean and free of any harmful bacteria.
During this time, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Washington Aqueduct, which supplies water to DC Water, will temporarily switch from a chloramine disinfectant to chlorine. This won’t affect the safety of your tap water, but you may notice a slight change in smell and taste. (more…)
Belmont Rd NW and Columbia Road, NW
Thanks to Neil for the update around 6pm last night (Wed.):
“PEPCO at Columbia and Belmont where the dog was electrocuted. A worker was use some type of hand monitor on the sidewalk.”
Updates as more is learned.
“water main break at 13th and Shepherd NW”
“Dear PoPville,
Wanted to let folks know that 13th St NW is closed between Randolph and Shepherd NW for a water main break. The whole block has been without water since yesterday afternoon and no update as to when it will be restored. (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
Yo, is Pepco okay? Seems like their system failed to process my and my neighbors autopay payments for December and the online system for paying manually isn’t working… hopefully no one shuts off our lights?! (more…)
Earlier this week a reader asked if: “anyone know what’s going on with the road work on 22nd St NW between P and Q?”
Thanks to Bill for passing on more details from DC Water:
“Emergency repairs are progressing on a nine-foot sewer tunnel that has closed a section of 22nd St NW since early July. DC Water and its contractor have made significant repairs to reinforce the tunnel. Repairs to a large void above the tunnel are ongoing to mitigate the risk of a sinkhole and collapse under the weight of traffic. Additional work is expected to continue for another five to six weeks, before a portion of the road can reopen. (more…)
Thanks to Matt for sending from Capitol Hill.