The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (Commission) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Transactive Neighborhood Renewable Microgrid Pilot Project, an initiative under PowerPath DC.
The project represents a critical step toward modernizing the District's energy system and achieving its climate goals. The RFP's aim is to fund the development of a renewable, multi-customer microgrid within the District.
The selected project aims to support Washington, D.C.'s climate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 by:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the replacement of fossil fuels
- Preventing the need for new fossil fuel infrastructure
- Enhancing energy independence and resilience
“The Transactive Neighborhood Renewable Microgrid Pilot Project is a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainable energy innovation,” stated Commission Chairman, Emile C. Thompson. “This initiative helps build a cleaner and more resilient future for District residents by fostering local energy independence and reducing carbon emissions.”
The microgrid project is also expected to deliver additional direct benefits to District residents, including:
- Improved energy reliability and resilience
- Cost savings and equitable access to sustainable energy
- Positive local economic and environmental impacts
The PowerPath DC Pilot Projects Governance Board has recommended to the Commission for approval and development several other innovative projects, including:
- Community Heat Pump Pilot Project: Focused on efficient, community-based heating and cooling solutions
- Solar Aggregation and Advanced Inverter Pilot Project: Aiming to optimize solar energy integration for enhanced grid stability.
- Virtual Power Plant Pilot Project: Aggregating distributed energy resources to function as a unified power plant.
Currently, two community heat pump pilot projects are currently under progress, while one is under construction as part of the Barry Farms Redevelopment Project, the second, at Meadow Green Courts Garden Apartment Community, is in the design phase.
Additionally, the Solar Aggregation and Advanced Inverter Pilot Project has been awarded to a contractor to support clean energy advancements. An RFP for the Virtual Power Plant Pilot Project is anticipated to release in 2025, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance renewable energy solutions and infrastructure in the District.
