The District is struggling to pinpoint gas and electric customers who have had their heat shut off because consumer protection laws prohibit the utilities from turning over the addresses.

Mayor Adrian Fenty has ordered his staff to begin door-to-door visits of residential properties identified as possibly lacking heat, to inform residents of government-financed utility assistance. But even as the coldest, perhaps stormiest stretch of the winter season approaches, Washington Gas and Pepco are keeping those addresses under wraps.