Results tagged “utility”

The Examiner reports this morning that over 60,000 residential Verizon customers in D.C. are getting anywhere from 20 cents to $2 refunded to them this month due to a widespread billing error that occurred in May. Turns out Verizon started billing for a rate increase for landlines a full month before the increase had been approved by the D.C. Public Service Commission. A total of 60,543 residential customers were overcharged to the tune of $66,173.

Despite what Alert DC told us all this morning, WASA says the power outage in Columbia Heights was not caused by a water main break. We weren't the only ones who reported a main break at 13th and Florida this morning, but it also wouldn't be the first time Alert DC oversimplified something that was more nuanced.

AlertDC sent out word that neighborhoods in Northeast D.C. that are served by Pepco’s Benning Road substation are without power due to tripped feeders at the substation. This is the the same outage that's affecting RFK, along with Langston Terrace Public Housing at 21st and Benning Road, Charles Young Elementary School, and WASA facilities at 2600 Independence Avenue SE. Pepco's outage map doesn't show anything too dramatic, however. HSEMA and the health department are on scene at Langston Terrace to ensure that medical needs are being addressed. There was no estimated time for power restoration as of 5 p.m.

The AlertDC system sent out a warning that F Street NW is closed between 21st and 22nd street due to a ruptured natural gas line. Officials are asking that you avoid this area if at all possible on your way home tonight. UPDATE 5:54 p.m.: The natural gas line has been repaired and the roadway reopened.

The D.C. Water and Sewer Authority sent around word this morning that too many people, especially in Southeast, have been opening up fire hydrants during the heat wave over the past few days, and water pressure in some areas is now very low as a result. The agency says they'd really, really like it if you would stop opening up those hydrants and playing in the resulting spraying water.

The public is reminded that unauthorized use of hydrants is illegal. Such activity will cause low water pressure and service problems for customers and can damage the underground water infrastructure. Loss of adequate water pressure can have a negative impact on fire fighting when firefighters are unable to get enough water to suppress fires. Opening hydrants also poses a safety issue for young children who could easily be hurt from the high water pressure.

Continue reading "WASA Begs Residents to Stop Opening Hydrants"

A water main break is disrupting traffic on 16th Street NW between Florida Ave. and Euclid Street. D.C. Water and Sewer Authority workers are on the scene working on the break.

Several neighborhood blogs are posting information about the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority's upcoming public meetings to discuss a proposed 8.5 percent rate increase to city water and sewer rates.

Earlier today the AlertDC system sent out an advisory that five water mains had broken overnight in Southeast DC. The DC Water and Sewer Authority followed up with a press release a couple of hours later with the exact locations of the breaks, details on service disruptions, and repair schedule. The utility said that approximately 50 households were affected, though more may be impacted as work continues through the evening.