2023 District of Columbia Clean Energy Summit

Over the past few years, Congress and the Biden/Harris Administration have passed federal legislation and policies that support clean energy efforts. In furthering the conversation to support the District’s aggressive clean energy goals, federal experts discussed how the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act address the urgency around clean air and climate action. The panel explored the Act’s impact on cutting greenhouse gas emissions and the discussion also focused on available tax credits and rebate programs, and the regulator’s role in supporting clean energy programs.  Panelists also discussed the impact of the Act on consumers.

The DCPSC aims to be a part of the solution to developing and supporting a diverse workforce and supply chain that pushes forward the District’s clean energy goals while maintaining a safe, reliable, affordable, and resilient infrastructure. This discussion explored investment and economic opportunities in all communities. Panelists discussed how to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into clean energy technology research, development, and deployment; current District workforce pipelines for in-demand jobs and energy jobs programs; and how to build equitable clean energy manufacturing and supply chains.

Transitioning to cleaner energy raises several questions, including: What are the costs of this transition? How will those costs be allocated? Who will bear the burden? Who will reap the benefits? The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on both utilities and consumers. This panel explored how to close the affordability gap by examining arrearages and how to mitigate upward pressure on customer rates. Discussions included an analysis of the energy burden based on household income, the effects of local and federal legislation on energy expenditures, and how rate changes are affecting District residents.