Recently, the Commission approved a decision (Formal Case No. 1130, Order No. 20364) addressing the remaining recommendations from the PowerPath DC stakeholder process, including:
- Enhancing data access for all residential customers through Pepco’s “Green Button Connect My Data"
- Issuing notice of inquiry and inviting stakeholder input on distributed energy resources (DERs) ownership rule
- Directing Pepco and Washington Gas to make system-level data available on their websites
- Aligning the PowerPath DC vision statement with the District’s clean energy and climate commitments
In January 2020, the Commission issued the first in a series of Orders to approve several stakeholder recommendations:
- Adopting a new distribution system planning process to allow open and transparent stakeholder engagement
- Launching the PowerPath DC pilot projects governance board
- Developing a new retail choice website, DC Power Connect, to serve as a central clearinghouse for third-party energy suppliers
- Establishing a separate microgrid proceeding
Chairman Willie L. Phillips stated, “By aligning PowerPath DC with the District’s clean energy goals, we take another important step towards achieving our strategic vision of a customer-focused, clean and renewable energy grid for the District.”
Background:
On June 12, 2015, by Order No. 17912 issued in Formal Case No. 1130, the Commission opened this proceeding to identify technologies and policies that can be implemented in the District of Columbia to modernize the distribution energy delivery system for increased sustainability (MEDSIS). Since its inception, the Commission has been committed to engaging stakeholders and the public at large in the MEDSIS process to help identify key issues as well as leverage stakeholder insight and expertise to help inform the Commission’s decision making.
In Phase 1 of the MEDSIS Initiative, the Commission, in addition to aligning on-going and related cases and initiatives, held numerous technical workshops and town hall meetings; issued a detailed Staff Report outlining the Commission’s jurisdiction, identifying regulatory barriers to grid modernization, and providing a framework for the subsequent MEDSIS Initiative phases, including Pilot Project Funding parameters; and adopted the MEDSIS Vision Statement and Guiding Principles which provides a flexible framework to guide the Commission’s future decision-makings around grid modernization matters.
In Phase 2 of the MEDSIS Initiative, the Commission contracted with Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) as the MEDSIS Working Group facilitator and began the year-long stakeholder working group process by first approving the formation of six working groups:
- Data and Information Access and Alignment,
- Non-Wires Alternatives to Grid Investments,
- Rate Design,
- Customer Impact,
- Microgrids, and
- Pilot Projects.
The MEDSIS Working Groups collaboratively developed charters, goals, and expected outcomes for each group taking into consideration the MEDSIS Vision Statement and the District Government’s clean energy policy goals.
Phase 2 of the Initiative, the MEDSIS Working Group process, culminated in the submission of the Final Working Group Report on May 31, 2019, containing 32 recommendations and learnings for Commission consideration.
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