Electrify DC testifies before the District of Columbia Public Service Commission

 

On June 4, 2026, the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (PSC) held a legislative-style hearing to examine the key drivers behind recent increases in the “generation” or supply portion of residential electric bills and explore potential pathways to address rising energy affordability concerns impacting District residents (Formal Case No. 1186, Order No. 22774). Electrify DC filed an official statement and testified in front of PSC Commissioner Chairman Thompson, Commissioner Beverly, Commissioner Trabue and representatives of PJM, Pepco, and the local power community.

Background

Local demand continues to grow faster than local energy resources, causing consumers to become increasingly exposed to volatility in wholesale energy, capacity, and transmission markets.  The testimony, delivered by Electrify DC’s Technical Lead, Romita Biswas suggested the various policy and market pathways the District can enact to secure a clean and affordable energy future that prioritizes long-term affordability for residents. This month, Pepco announced electric rates would increase by an average of ~$9/month due to increased supply fees. The District, along with other states nationwide, has experienced a dramatic increase in wholesale supply costs for the average residential customer. In 2020 the average generation portion of a residential bill was about $35 and as of January 2026, it was about $80.

Path Forward

Electrify DC pinpointed three solutions to this challenge.

• Modernize utility regulation — The current framework rewards utilities for building infrastructure, not for delivering affordable, efficient service. Electrify DC called for performance-based regulation (like the UK’s RIIO model) that ties utility earnings to actual customer outcomes.
• Expand distributed energy resources (DERs) — Rooftop solar alone won’t cut it in a city that’s 60% renters. Plug-in balcony solar, plug-in batteries, and smart load devices are accessible alternatives that reduce grid strain without requiring roof ownership or costly upgrades.
• Broaden the solar carve-out to a local capacity carve-out — Expanding eligibility in DC’s clean energy compliance market beyond just rooftop solar would increase local supply, naturally bring down prices, and reduce dependence on expensive outside power.

We look forward to continuing to advocate for homeowners and renters alike and build an affordable DC region for all.

Watch the testimony below, or read the full testimony.