2016.07.17 Power Outage in Shaw, Washington, DC USA 07068 by Ted Eytan is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Pepco's Capital Grid Project, a long-term initiative overseen by the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (DCPSC), addresses the challenges of aging infrastructure and prepares the District's electric system for future demands. This project is a critical investment in the city's energy future, supporting the District's continued growth and its need for a modern, resilient, and reliable electric system.
Overview
The Capital Grid Project is an essential undertaking to enhance the reliability and resilience of the District's electric grid. By replacing aging equipment and creating a more interconnected, "networked" system, the project aims to reduce the frequency and duration of power outages, and better withstand extreme weather events.
These upgrades also support the District's growth by accommodating new residential and commercial developments and the increasing adoption of electric vehicles. The project also increases the grid's capacity to integrate more solar power and other distributed energy resources (DERs), aligning with the District's clean energy goals.
Progress and Next Steps
The Capital Grid Project consolidates various construction and modernization efforts.
A new 10-mile, 230 kilovolt (kV) underground transmission line connects the Takoma, Harvard, Champlain, Mount Vernon, and Waterfront substations, forming a resilient network backbone. Construction began in March 2020 and is expected to be completed by June 2026.
Follow construction progress with Pepco's interactive project map.
The Waterfront substation in Southwest was converted to a 230 kV facility in June 2023 to fully integrate with the new transmission network. In Columbia Heights, the rebuilding of the Harvard substation was completed in December 2024. A new Mount Vernon Substation near NoMa was completed in June 2024. Both are state-of-the-art, 140 MVA indoor facilities now in service, enhancing energy capacity and reliability in their respective communities.
Looking ahead, the Champlain substation in Adams Morgan is slated for rebuilding and repurposing, with construction expected to begin in Fall 2025 and conclude by December 2028.
Community Engagement and Oversight
The DCPSC oversees efforts to minimize the impact of construction on local communities. Through regular meetings with Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and community groups, project teams provide updates and address resident concerns. Plans for traffic management and noise mitigation are in place, and all work areas are fully restored to their original or improved condition upon completion.
The DCPSC ensures the Capital Grid Project serves the public interest by reviewing all project plans and expenditures for practicality and clear benefits to District residents. The Commission actively monitors all construction and operational phases, holding project stakeholders accountable to approved plans and timelines, and ensuring public transparency through access to all project-related documents and decisions.
Learn More
For more detailed information, subscribe to notifications for Formal Case No. 1144. For additional project details and construction updates, visit Pepco's Capital Grid Project page.