District Of Columbia § 34-1671.08 - Consumer protections.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 34-1671.08 — Consumer protections., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 34-1671.08. Consumer protections.
34-1671.08The Commission shall adopt regulations or issue orders specifying the necessary minimum service requirements of a licensed natural gas supplier regarding the marketing, solicitation, sale, or provision, directly or through its agent, of retail natural gas.
The minimum service requirements shall include the following:
A requirement that a licensed retail natural gas supplier:
Provide residential customers with accurate pricing and terms and conditions of service, and with a document containing the terms and conditions of pricing and service before the contract for service becomes binding; and
Disclose to residential customers the conditions under which a residential customer may rescind a contract without penalty.
Before a residential customer is eligible for service from a licensed retail natural gas supplier, the residential customer shall discharge, or enter into a plan to discharge, existing arrearages (except any pending disputed arrearages) owed to or being billed by the gas company for natural gas service; and
Minimum service quality.
The regulations or orders also shall provide for disclosure of the terms identifying how residential customers may transfer or terminate service, including any costs and required notice.
The following requirements shall be standard content for residential customers’ bills:
To the maximum extent practicable, an itemized list of service components to enable a residential customer to recalculate his or her bill for accuracy;
The identification of the supplier of a service;
A statement of where, when, and how payment may be made and provision of a toll-free or local customer assistance and complaint telephone number for the natural gas supplier, as well as the addresses and customer assistance telephone numbers for the Commission and the Office of the People’s Counsel, with the available hours noted;
A clear explanation for 2 consecutive billing periods, of any changes in the rates, terms, and conditions of service; and
Price disclosure and disclosure of total billing units for the billing period and historical annual usage.
The Commission may alter the bill contents prescribed by this subsection if necessary to conform with billing or pricing schemes specifically approved by the Commission.
The regulations or orders shall include policies and procedures that provide for the following:
The coordination between natural gas suppliers and the gas company for the purpose of maintaining service;
The allocation of partial payments between natural gas suppliers and the gas company when service components are jointly billed;
A prohibition against the transfer, or the authorization of the transfer of, a residential customer’s natural gas supplier without the prior consent of the residential customer in accordance with appropriate confirmation practices;
A requirement for disclosure of the conditions under which a residential customer may rescind a decision to switch his or her natural gas supplier without penalty; and
Specification of any required notice and any penalty for early termination of contract.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 34-1671.08
What does D.C. Code § 34-1671.08 cover?
Section 34-1671.08 ("Consumer protections.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 34-1671.08?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 34-1671.08" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 34-1671.08 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.