The theme of this 2017 Annual Report is “Connecting for the Future.” We at the Public Service Commission understand the importance of having a modern infrastructure which will respond to the needs of the age, and we understand the importance of ensuring that all citizens can connect to that modern infrastructure.

In 2017, we encouraged “Connecting for the Future” in several ways:

• We continued our efforts in our important MEDSIS proceeding – Formal Case 1130, formally titled “Modernizing the Energy Distribution System for Increased Sustainability.” In this case we have identified the barriers to modernization of our energy delivery system that our rules and regulations present and we are seeking to provide realistic solutions. We have engaged in a collaborative process with stakeholders and have held a series of workshops and informal discussions to identify technologies and projects for grid modernization. From that experience, the Commission was able to articulate a Vision Statement for MEDSIS:
  • The District of Columbia’s modern energy delivery system must be sustainable, well-planned, encourage distributed energy resources and preserve the financial health of the energy distribution utilities in a manner that results in an energy delivery system that is safe and reliable, secure, affordable, interactive and non-discriminatory.
  We expect to continue our efforts in 2018 by completing MEDSIS rulemakings, engaging in a Technical Conference, and establishing Working Groups to determine pilot projects.

  
  DCPSC hosts MEDSIS Town Hall Meeting

• We continued to improve our existing infrastructure. Both Pepco and Washington Gas Light Company (WGL) are engaged in significant infrastructure improvement projects. WGL is replacing natural gas pipelines on an accelerated basis through a program known as PROJECT Pipes. Pepco is also moving forward with placing electric power lines underground. This effort, known as DC PLUG was made possible through legislation passed by the D.C. Council in 2013 and amended in 2017.
• We also considered a significant investment in high-voltage transmission lines and substations that Pepco proposed in 2017, known as the Capital Grid Project. We understand that the filing made in 2017 is only the first part of a much larger project. We are concerned about how a project of this size impacts our MEDSIS efforts and we have asked Pepco to show how Capital Grid is consistent with the modern infrastructure envisioned by MEDSIS.

  

“Connecting for the Future” not only means assuring modern facilities, it also means addressing modern problems, like the need for increased energy efficiency and conservation. To that end, we held our second annual Winter Ready DC event, designed to bring together community leaders, utilities, and government agencies for a candid discussion of how to help D.C. residents prepare for wintry weather.

Attendees at Winter Ready DC 2017

We also instituted a new case aimed at establishing Energy Efficient and Energy Conservation programs for low and limited income residents of the District, made possible by a $11.25 million fund established as a commitment to the Pepco/Exelon merger. We have continued our outreach efforts to inform eligible residents about the utility discount programs which can assist in reducing utility bills.

Consumer Education and Outreach Specialist Kristen Randolph and Outreach Assistant Teresa Johnson meet with D.C. residents about our consumer services.

In 2017, the Commission embarked on efforts to ensure that D.C. residents and businesses are connected to a modern, affordable infrastructure that can serve them for decades to come. We hope the District's future connectivity is reflected in this Annual Report.