Renewable Energy

Renewable energy resources come in many forms, including solar, wind, biomass, methane from landfill or wastewater, geothermal, ocean, fuel cells (using certain renewable resources), and raw or treated wastewater used as a heat source — all of which are all classified as Tier I resources. These types of energy power the District without the harmful effects that greenhouse gas emissions inflict on our climate. The Commission, other District agencies, and District residents are working hard to have 100% of our electricity come from Tier I resources by 2032.

The DCPSC has certified more than 8,900 solar facilities, including 167 Community Renewable Energy Facilities in the District as of August 2021. All of these comprise approximately 138MW and 20MW of clean power, respectively. The Commission has also approved a process to incorporate renewable energy into the District’s Standard Offer Service (SOS) through long-term power purchase agreements. The Commission continues to monitor an AltaGas merger commitment to develop, or cause to be developed, 10MW of either electric grid energy storage or Tier 1 renewable resources in the District.

Related Cases:

  • FC1017, RM41 - The Procurement of Renewable Energy through a long-term PPA for a Percentage of Standard Offer Service Load
  • RM 29 - Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Rules
  • RM40-2020-01 -District of Columbia Small Generator Interconnection Rules
  • GD2019-04 - Implementation of the 2019 CleanEnergy DC Omnibus Act Compliance Requirements

Infrastructure

As new technologies and research emerge, investing in infrastructure allows the District and make smart choices that will support its climate goals for years to come. Investments such as battery storage, energy efficient buildings and appliances, and electric distribution grid enhancements all help to produce an energy delivery system that is safe, reliable, and supportive of the District’s climate initiatives. 

The Commission has also approved the second phase of DC PLUG, an innovative public/private partnership between the District and Pepco that’s improving the reliability and resiliency of the electric distribution system. Also moving forward is the Capital Grid Project, a long-term electric utility initiative to address aging infrastructure, enhanced system resiliency, improved reliability, and load growth, and PROJECTpipes, a 40-year accelerated pipeline replacement program to upgrade the natural gas distribution system in the District.

Related Cases:

  • FC1115/FC1154 - Accelerated Pipeline Replacement (PROJECTpipes)
  • FC1159 - Biennial Underground Infrastructure Improvement Project Plans and Financing Orders
  • FC1130 - Investigation into Modernizing the Energy Delivery System for Increased Sustainability
  • GD 2019-04 - Implementation of the 2019 CleanEnergy DC Omnibus Act Compliance Requirements
  • FC1167 - Implementation of Electric and Natural Gas Climate Change Proposals

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency programs reduce the amount of energy used by homes and businesses to produce comfort, services and goods. Energy efficiency offers financial savings for consumers and businesses while also helping to reduce the environmental costs of producing energy.

One way the DCPSC is helping promote efficacy is through the Whole Building Deep Energy Retrofit Program, an energy efficiency and conservation program that modernizes affordable multifamily buildings in the District. The Commission also monitors the work of and partners with the DC Sustainable Energy Utility, an organization committed to helping District residents and businesses save energy and money through energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.

Related Cases:

  • FC1148 - Pepco/Exelon Merger Commitment: Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation Programs
  • FC1160 -Development of Metrics for Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Programs
  • FC1142 – WGL/ AltaGas Merger Commitment No. 3: Energy Efficiency program for low- and limited-income residents of multifamily housing of the District of Columbia

Outreach and Engagement

The Commission is committed to collaborating with District residents and experts for input in our decision-making processes on advancing the District’s clean energy goals. Through our stakeholder working groups meetings, community hearings, and consumer campaigns, the Commission has focused on extending its ability to reach District consumers. From educating consumers about their renewable energy options to modernizing the electrical grid, the Commission is making a positive difference on the lives of our consumers.

Related Cases:
  • GD 2019-04 - Implementation of the 2019 CleanEnergy DC Omnibus Act Compliance Requirements
  • FC1130 - Investigation into Modernizing the Energy Delivery System for Increased Sustainability
  • FC1160 -Development of Metrics for Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Programs