CleanEnergy > Clean Energy Initiatives

Clean Energy Initiatives

Working to meet the District’s aggressive climate goals

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy resources come in many forms, including solar, wind, biomass, methane, geothermal, ocean, fuel cells, 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 DCPSC, 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 7,900 solar facilities and 137 Community Renewable Energy Facilities (CREFs) in the District as of December 2020. These comprise more than 118MW and 13MW of clean power, respectively. The Commission has also approved a process to incorporate renewable energy into the District’s Standard Offer Service (SOS) through a long-term power purchase agreement. The Commission continues to monitor a WGL Holdings/AltaGas merger commitment to develop 10MW of either electric grid energy storage or Tier I 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 to get ahead of its climate impact and make smart choices that will support its climate goals for years to come. Investments such as battery storage, energy efficient buildings and electric grid enhancements all help to produce an energy delivery system that is safe, reliable and supportive of our climate initiatives. 

The Commission has also approved the next phase of DC PLUG, an innovative public/private partnership, to bury overhead primary power lines to improve system resiliency and reliability.  Also moving forward is PROJECTpipes, a 40-year accelerated pipeline replacement program to modernize 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: 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 in the decision-making processes that guide our work and empowering residents to be involved in achieving the District’s clean energy goals. Through stakeholder working group meetings, community hearings and consumer campaigns, the Commission is extending its ability to reach District consumers. The Commission is also making a positive difference on the lives of our consumers through education campaigns and work to modernize the electrical grid.

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

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