Sandra Mattavous-Frye Recognition Resolution of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Charles Allen

The resolution formally honors Sandra Mattavous-Frye for her decades of public service in defending utility consumers and advancing energy efficiency and renewables in the District

Resolution ACR26-0144, Effective from Mar 31, 2026 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 008461

Summary: Sandra Mattavous-Frye Recognition Resolution of 2026 (CER 26-0147)

Purpose and intent

This is a ceremonial resolution by the Council of the District of Columbia recognizing and honoring Sandra Mattavous-Frye upon her retirement as the District’s People's Counsel.

The resolution notes her decades of public service, leadership, and impact in protecting utility consumers and advancing renewable energy initiatives.

Key provisions and changes

Formal recognition: The resolution designates official recognition of Sandra Mattavous-Frye for her service as People's Counsel for the District of Columbia.

Highlighted accomplishments (as the basis for recognition):

Longstanding role with the Office of the People's Counsel (OPC), including positions from Law Clerk (1984) to Deputy People's Counsel, and leadership as People's Counsel commencing in 2011 after confirmation.
Secured significant ratepayer savings and managed regulatory matters, including the Pepco-Exelon merger and protections for DC Water customers.
Initiatives in energy efficiency and sustainability:
Established the OPC Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Section.
Launched the District’s first Value of Solar study to guide renewable energy deployment across all eight wards.
Investigations and consumer protections:
Led investigations into abusive practices by third-party energy suppliers, resulting in settlements that provided refunds and emergency assistance to low-income residents.
Institutional memory and transparency:
Published Currents of Change: OPC’s Journey to Protect Utility Consumers.
Mentorship and public service: Noted for mentoring public interest attorneys and advocates.
Awards and honors: Multiple recognitions (e.g., UDC Advocate for Justice Award, Energy Bar Association award, DC Federation of Citizens Associations Outstanding Citizens Award, and the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates Manifold Lifetime Service Award in 2021).

Effective date and implementation: The resolution states the recognition is on the occasion of her retirement, with the resolution taking effect immediately.

Who would be affected

Sandra Mattavous-Frye: The primary individual recognized and celebrated.

The District of Columbia community (consumers of utility services): Indirectly benefited by the highlighted reforms and protections she helped secure.

OPC and District energy policy history: The resolution acknowledges and memorializes her contributions to the office and to District energy policy.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introductory action: CER26-0147 introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen and co-sponsored by Charles Allen.

Action history:

March 30, 2026: Introduced.
March 31, 2026: Final Reading, Council of the District of Columbia, approved with Resolution Number ACR26-0144 (note: the history shows a related resolution number; the CER26-0147 resolution itself is provided here).
March 31, 2026: Retained by the Council.

Effective date: The resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption.

Overall impact

The bill serves as a formal, ceremonial tribute to a long-serving public official and recognizes her contributions to consumer advocacy, energy policy, and public service in the District of Columbia. It does not enact substantive policy changes or allocate funds.