D.C. Reviews Solar Mandate Costs Amid Rising Electricity Bills

Washington, D.C. officials are reviewing the city’s renewable energy requirements after concerns that solar mandates are increasing electricity costs for residents. The policy requires electricity suppliers to meet renewable targets, including a local solar requirement that has raised questions about affordability and implementation.

The District adopted its Renewable Portfolio Standard in 2004 and expanded it in 2019, requiring D.C. to receive 100% of its power from renewable sources by 2032 while increasing solar targets, according to Utility Dive.

Mayor Muriel Bowser warned the D.C. Council about rising utility bills and identified solar renewable energy credits as a specific cost factor. The Washington Post reported that Bowser said D.C.’s solar credits increase electricity bills for ratepayers.

"add $20 to every electricity bill" said Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Utility Dive reported that the District requires some renewable credits to come from solar facilities within D.C., limiting supply options and increasing costs. PJM Interconnection data cited by Utility Dive showed the average price of a D.C. solar credit reached $410.72 in the first three months of 2026.

The policy debate also includes broader concerns about renewable credit markets. Utility Dive reported that West Virginia filed a federal lawsuit against Pennsylvania over restrictions on eligible energy credit sellers.

"artificially strangled the supply side of the energy credit market by locking out interstate competition" said the West Virginia complaint, as reported by Utility Dive.

Utility Dive reported that renewable portfolio standards across the PJM region increased compliance costs from about $677 million in 2014 to nearly $2.9 billion in 2023. The figures have added to discussions about balancing renewable goals with electricity affordability.

The District also operates programs designed to help lower-income residents manage utility costs, while officials continue examining how renewable energy requirements affect all electricity customers. The D.C. Council is reviewing whether current rules meet their intended goals.