In April 2014, Chicago-based energy giant Exelon proposed a $6.4 billion takeover of Pepco Holdings. The move would create the most dominating energy provider for DC, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey – as well as the largest energy company in the United States. If that alone isn’t enough to make you skeptical, I hope the next few paragraphs will.
The proposed merger is poised to reverse DC’s progress on local renewable energy, make energy prices higher for consumers (Baltimoreans have experienced four rate hikes since 2012), and goes against what the plurality of Washingtonians want.
While Pepco isn’t perfect, and there are many things that can and should be done to improve the utility company, allowing for the creation of the largest energy company in the United States isn’t won’t fix the grievances of many consumers.
I agree with the statement from Power DC, a coalition of Washingtonians opposed to the merger, that “Exelon’s corporate interests are not aligned with the policy objectives of the District of Columbia, and Exelon’s acquisition of Pepco is not in the public interest.” Apparently so does The DC Office of People’s Counsel which also opposes the merger because “there are far too many risks for consumers and nothing but benefits for Pepco and Exelon.”
If you agree that the Exelon-Pepco merger is a bad deal, join me and countless other Washingtonians in telling the DC Public Service Commission why you oppose the merger. I urge all Advisory Neighborhood Commissions to join me in opposing the merger, either in letter or Resolution as well.
Walter Deleon 