Energy

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Aug 31, 2026

B 26-0750: Retail Energy Market Consumer Protection Amendment Act of 2026

This bill amends existing laws to strengthen consumer protections for residential electricity and natural gas customers in Washington, D.C. It requires third-party energy suppliers to cap their prices at no more than 110% of the standard utility rate, with exceptions allowed for suppliers offering renewable energy or those deemed to be in the public interest. Additionally, the legislation grants residents the right to cancel their energy contracts at any time without facing early termination fees or penalties. The bill also holds energy companies legally responsible for any violations committed by their agents, contractors, or brokers.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill strengthens consumer protections and explicitly allows exceptions for suppliers offering renewable energy, aligning with support indicators.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill allows exceptions for renewable energy suppliers, indicating a supportive stance toward clean energy adoption within the consumer protection framework.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Renewable Energy Utility Regulation

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 24, 2026

PR 26-0783: Net Zero Continuity Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2026

This resolution declares an emergency to fix a legal gap that would cause inconsistent net-zero energy rules for District-funded building projects. It repeals two temporary laws that currently pause strict energy standards for affordable housing and updates the definition of net-zero energy for all projects. By clearing these temporary provisions, the bill ensures that future changes to energy standards can be applied uniformly to both residential and nonresidential developments without causing uncertainty for developers.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill strengthens net-zero energy standards and ensures uniform application to all projects, advancing energy efficiency.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens net-zero energy standards and removes temporary pauses on strict energy rules, advancing environmental protection and climate goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Climate Change Natural Disasters Tags Emergency Management

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Aug 31, 2026

B 26-0704: Public Trust in Utility Regulation Act of 2026

The Public Trust in Utility Regulation Act of 2026 requires electric and gas companies in the District of Columbia to provide detailed information about proposed capital investments when seeking rate increases. This legislation mandates that utility firms disclose the purpose, cost, and expected benefits of each project to the Public Service Commission and make this data publicly available. Additionally, the bill establishes a requirement for the Commission to audit public utility finances, expenditures, and service quality every three years. These measures aim to increase transparency and accountability in utility regulation without changing the Public Service Commission's existing authority. The primary goal is to help residents and policymakers better understand how utility costs are determined and ensure investments serve the public interest.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill enhances transparency and accountability in utility regulation, protecting consumers and ensuring responsible energy infrastructure investment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

Track

introduced · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 31, 2026

B 26-0631: Rate Plan Vacatur Interim Protections Temporary Amendment Act of 2026

This bill temporarily prevents electric companies from disconnecting service for non-payment during a specific period when a previously approved electricity rate plan is being reviewed by the courts. It applies to all residential and commercial electricity customers in the District of Columbia who might face disconnection while a new rate plan is being developed. The law prohibits disconnections for 15 calendar days after a court vacates an existing rate plan and orders a new one, and the protection automatically expires 90 days after a related emergency amendment takes effect. This measure aims to provide short-term stability for customers during the legal review process without changing the underlying rate plan approval system.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill protects utility consumers from disconnection during rate plan reviews, ensuring stable access to electricity services.75% confidence

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature May 1, 2026

B 26-0630: Rate Plan Vacatur Interim Protections Emergency Amendment Act of 2026

This bill temporarily prevents electric companies from cutting off power to customers who fail to pay their bills during a specific period after a rate plan is overturned by a court. It directly affects electricity providers and residential or commercial customers in the District of Columbia who might otherwise face service disconnection. The law defines a "remand interim period" as the time between when a court vacates an approved rate plan and when a new plan is approved, during which companies cannot disconnect service for non-payment or for 15 days after that period ends. This emergency measure is designed to protect consumers from losing essential electricity service while rate plans are being reviewed and reapproved. The act will remain in effect for no longer than 90 days after approval.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill protects utility consumers from service disconnection during rate plan transitions, safeguarding access to essential energy services.85% confidence

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Mar 26, 2026

B 26-0602: Guiding Renewable Interconnection and Distribution (GRID) Amendment Act of 2026

This bill amends existing District of Columbia energy laws to streamline how residents connect solar systems to the local power grid, aiming to reduce utility costs and accelerate clean energy adoption. It establishes clearer definitions for solar interconnection customers and small generator facilities, requires the Public Service Commission to maintain updated cost guides on Pepco's website, and creates an ombudsman role to help customers navigate approval processes and resolve delays. The legislation also permits residents to install smaller "balcony solar" systems without undergoing the same permitting requirements as larger rooftop installations, potentially offering monthly savings of $35 to $55 depending on location.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill streamlines solar interconnection, reduces utility costs, and accelerates clean energy adoption through regulatory improvements and ombudsman support.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes renewable energy adoption by streamlining solar interconnection, reducing utility costs, and creating oversight to accelerate clean energy deployment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Renewable Energy Solar

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

PR 26-0583: Rate Plan Vacatur Interim Protections Emergency Declaration Resolution of 2026

This resolution declares an emergency to temporarily prevent electricity disconnections for District residents while a court order is reviewed. It addresses a situation where a court vacated a rate plan that had approved significant electricity rate increases, creating financial instability for consumers. The measure aims to pause service disconnections until the Public Service Commission restores rates to their previous levels or takes other action to ensure affordability. By adopting this resolution after a single reading, the Council seeks to provide immediate relief to residents facing potential utility shutoffs during this legal transition.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill protects electricity consumers from disconnections during rate plan review, ensuring energy affordability and access for District residents.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation Tags Emergency Management

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 10, 2026

PR 26-0598: Green Finance Authority Board Jennifer Wade Confirmation Resolution of 2026

This bill is a confirmation resolution that formally approves Jennifer Wade's appointment to the Green Finance Authority Board in the District of Columbia. The resolution confirms her role as a board member with expertise in clean energy, clean infrastructure, clean transportation, stormwater management, or green infrastructure, filling a vacant seat for the remainder of an unexpired term ending July 9, 2028. The bill requires the Council to transmit a copy of the resolution to both the nominee and the Mayor upon adoption. This is a procedural measure that facilitates the appointment process rather than creating new policy or funding mechanisms.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill confirms appointment to Green Finance Authority Board with expertise in clean energy, clean infrastructure, and green infrastructure, indicating support for energy-related initiatives.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill confirms appointment to Green Finance Authority Board, which oversees clean energy, infrastructure, and environmental management, indirectly supporting environmental goals.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Water Quality

in committee · District of Columbia · Legislature Jul 2, 2026

B 26-0596: Utility Rates and Ratemaking Amendment Act of 2026

This bill requires D.C. utilities to base multiyear rate plans on actual historical costs (not projected future costs) and prohibits mechanisms that let companies later raise rates to cover shortfalls. It mandates refunds for excess profits to customers and requires clear, quantifiable evidence of customer benefits for all rate changes. For major gas infrastructure projects (like pipe replacements), utilities must prove cost-effective alternatives were considered before approving surcharges. These changes aim to prevent further bill increases for D.C. residents and businesses, who have seen average annual costs rise by nearly $600 despite existing protections.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProtects utility consumers via actual cost-based rates, refunds for excess profits, and customer benefit evidence for rate changes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

Track

signed · District of Columbia · Legislature Jan 2, 2026

B 26-0535: Energy Efficiency Financing Debt Cap Emergency Amendment Act of 2025

This bill removes a $250 million debt cap on bonds the District of Columbia can issue for energy efficiency projects under the 2010 Energy Efficiency Financing Act. It directly affects the District government, allowing it to borrow more funds for qualifying energy efficiency improvements without the previous limit. The key provision amends Section 202(a) of the existing law by deleting the $250 million restriction. The bill is classified as an emergency measure, effective for 90 days after approval. It does not change the purpose of the financing program but expands the District's borrowing capacity for these projects.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRemoves $250M debt cap, enabling increased funding for energy efficiency projects under existing law, directly advancing energy efficiency goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRemoves debt cap to increase funding for energy efficiency projects, directly advancing environmental protection through expanded clean energy investment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency