The Office of the People's Counsel (OPC) is an independent agency of the District of Columbia government. By law, the Office advocates for consumers of natural gas, electric, water, and local telephone services. OPC also represents the interests of District utility ratepayers before the DC Public Service Commission, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Federal Communications Commission, other utility regulatory bodies, and the courts. The Office is mandated to conduct consumer education and outreach, and may represent individual consumers with complaints related to their utility service and bills.