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Commissioner Seeks Independent Input in Utility’s Grid Modernization Plan
On October 14, 2026 Commissioner Beverly issued independent letter of inquiry seeking input on the utilities grid modernization plans.
“This inquiry is issued pursuant to D.C. Code §34-802, which gives each Commissioner independent authority to pursue any line of inquiry that the Commission itself could pursue. It is not an action of the full Commission and does not become one unless and until it is adopted by the full Commission. Affordability of utility rates is one of the most important issues facing this Commission and other Commissions across the county. As we continue to chart the path forward, I would like to hear from stakeholders on the next steps by allowing them to comment on the attached proposed opinion and order.
There is no deadline on filing comments but the sooner you file them, the sooner I can consider what you have to say.”
(1) District of Columbia’s PSC provided a “table summarizing adopted recommendations” related to energy affordability in various proceedings, which it “will update as this case and other related cases proceed”;
(2) DC PSC agreed with commenters “that we need more active management of both load and DER in order to efficiently use the existing distribution system and avoid coincident peaks that raise PJM capacity prices” and directed Staff to release a notice of inquiry asking stakeholders “what type and granularity of grid data (whether Pepco currently collects it or not) should be reported, at what frequency, in order to develop time-varying rates, demand management programs, and VDER tariffs.”
Previously on October 13-14th the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and Mission:data filed comments on Pepco revised cost estimate.
(1) DOEE: (i) said that the revised estimate “appears more in line with estimates DOEE previously filed”; (ii) recommended “that the District’s CMD platform have third-party data access regulations similar to those being considered in the Maryland Data Exchange Working Group,” which must issue draft regulations by 11/6/26; and (ii) recommended that, if DCPSC “is unable to accept Pepco’s CMD platform proposal within 180 days” of 11/6/26, it should “promulgate rules allowing third parties (including electric generation suppliers and customer-authorized third-party entities) to register as third parties and access interval data through the Electronic Data Interchange with the same level of access as the electric distribution company,” as in Pennsylvania and New Jersey; and
(2) Mission:data recommended that the Commission: (i) require WGL to provide a Green Button Connect (GBC) cost estimate, “Given the order-of-magnitude decrease in Pepco’s estimated GBC implementation cost over the last several years”; and (ii) “require Pepco to explain coordination efforts with Pepco’s Maryland affiliate regarding GBC implementation,” once data access rules in Maryland are finalized.
Next Steps
Reply comments on Pepco revised cost estimate due by November 12, 2026.
Staff must release a notice of inquiry on grid data reporting by November 28, 2026.
