An opinion piece published by Utility Dive argues that Washington, D.C.'s renewable portfolio standard places an unfair financial burden on residents, particularly those with lower incomes. Author Joy Ditto, a former CEO of the American Public Power Association, points to Mayor Muriel Bowser's warning that solar credits required by the mandate add $20 to every electricity bill, and that this amount could double by 2029 if the city council does not act.
The piece contends that D.C.'s policy restricts which solar credits qualify, limiting supply and driving up costs. It cites a PJM Interconnection figure showing the average price of a D.C. solar credit reached $410.72 in the first quarter of 2026. Ditto also draws a parallel to a recent West Virginia lawsuit against Pennsylvania, which alleges that similar restrictions on energy credit markets artificially inflate compliance costs.
The author acknowledges that D.C. has programs to help low-income residents pay utility bills, but calls it contradictory for another policy to make those same bills more expensive. She urges the council to review whether the renewable mandate still meets its original goals of reducing emissions and lowering renewable electricity costs, while avoiding unnecessary burdens on essential services like electricity.