DCPSC Monthly Update — May 19, 2026 – Positive Change Purchasing Cooperative

Author: DCPSC Staff 5/19/2024 Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia

A dollar bill is broken down into sections

Local solar powers through in the District

The District is accelerating its move toward energy independence as local solar capacity climbed to 373.7 MW, according to the 2026 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Report. Despite a significant “cleanup” of legacy out-of-state systems, the market stabilized with a 96% drop in compliance penalties and major capacity gains led by Wards 5 and 8. While high solar renewable energy credit prices drive up total compliance costs, the continued expansion of community solar ensures nearly 12,000 residents can participate in the District’s clean energy future.

Shaping an affordable and sustainable energy future

Navigating energy costs requires a balanced, collaborative approach. The 2026 District of Columbia Energy Action Summit on May 27 and 29 will bring together utility leaders, policymakers, and consumer advocates for industry-focused policy discussions and a community resource fair.

DCPSC updates schedule for Pepco Multiyear Rate Plan, maintains current rates

The DCPSC has decided to maintain currently billed electric rates while revising the procedural schedule for Pepco’s second Multiyear Rate Plan (Formal Case 1176). This decision also reschedules the court-ordered evidentiary hearing to October 13-14, 2026.

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DCPSC DC Council FY27 Budget Oversight Hearing

DCPSC Chairman Emile Thompson testified before the DC Council on May 11 to outline the Commission’s strategic priorities and proposed FY27 budget, pledging to continue ensuring safe, affordable, and reliable utility services while advancing the District’s climate goals.

WATCH THE HEARING »

Visualizing the shift in your electric bill

Did you know that the components of your electric bill fluctuate over time? Since 2020, energy generation costs have surged and the regulated distribution portion of your bill is now just 27%

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Deep energy retrofits deliver for District veterans

The DC Sustainable Energy Utility has used funds from the DCPSC Whole Building Deep Energy Retrofit Program to replace aging heat pumps and install new thermostats for 41 veteran households.

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Recent Formal Case Action

FORMAL CASE NO. 1185
Pepco’s Service Restoration Process
The DCPSC denied Pepco’s Application for Reconsideration or Modification of Order 22793, which relates to outage reporting.

FORMAL CASE NO. 1179
Washington Gas’s Strategic Pipe Replacement Plan
The DCPSC rejected WGL’s Year 1 project list for its Modified District Strategic Accelerated Facilities Enhancement (District SAFE) Plan because it lacked key details such as cost estimates, risk analysis, and alternatives.

FORMAL CASE NO. 1188
Washington Gas’s Debt Securities Application
The DCPSC denied WGL’s request for fast-track approval to issue up to $500 million in debt.

GENERAL DOCKET NO. 2019-04
2019 Clean Energy Act
The DCPSC continued its review and directives on the development of a standardized Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) framework for how the Commission evaluates the costs and benefits of energy programs and investments. The Commission addressed stakeholder feedback, allowed more time for comments, and directed staff to refine the model using national best practices before putting it into use.

Updates and Announcements

The DCPSC will hold a legislative-style hearing on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 11am to examine the key drivers behind recent increases in the generation or supply portion of residential electric bills.

The DCPSC outreach team and staff volunteers have been busy helping residents across the District! Recently they attend the Electrify DC Healthy Homes Fair, a resource and health fair in Ward 6, a DC Public Charter School Board career expo, a Department of Aging and Community Living energy efficiency presentation in Ward 8, and more.

“Imposter scams,” where bad actors pose as utility employees, are unfortunately on the rise in the District. These scammers threaten immediate service disconnection and try to steal your money or personal information. Remember: don’t let unverified workers into your home, hang up the phone if you feel pressured, and call your utility company directly to verify your account status.

The DCPSC marked Earth Day 2026 by highlighting how the PowerPath DC initiative is upgrading the local grid for renewable energy, and by sharing practical tips to help District residents lower their daily energy costs.

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Through it’s diverse staff, the DCPSC celebrates the histories, cultures, and countless contributions of AANHPI colleagues and community members.