DC customers pay 15 million extra because shortfall in DC-based solar facilities

Betty Ann Kane Chairman (PSC)

Betty Ann Kane Chairman (PSC) Letter To Chairman Mendelson DC Council To Reverse7.5 million from the Renewable Energy Development Fund and re-programed it to the District’s general fund.

Dear Chairman Mendelson;

I am writing to repeat my strong opposition to your proposal to take $7.5 million from the Renewable Energy Development Fund and move it to the General Fund in the FY 2018 budget.

Please vote tomorrow to right this wrong.

Because it is wrong—very wrong.

The money in the Renewable Energy Development Fund is restricted by law for use in developing renewable energy resources, and in particular to support the Solar For All program to lower the electricity bills of at least 100,000 low income District resident customers.  The Renewable Energy Development Fund was specifically set up by the Council to operate without fiscal year limitation.  The Fund is SUPPOSED to have a balance at the end of the fiscal year—it’s the best way to allow multi-year planning and commit support so projects that don’t have to stop and start every 12 months.

Warren Leon, executive director of the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA)

The Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) is a national, nonprofit coalition of public agencies and organizations working together to advance clean energy. CESA members—mostly state agencies— include many of the most innovative, successful, and influential public funders of clean energy initiatives in the country.

CESA works with state leaders, federal agencies, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to develop and promote clean energy technologies and markets. It supports effective state and local policies, programs, and innovation in the clean energy generation sector, with an emphasis on renewable energy, financing strategies, and economic development.