A bill before the DC City Council could bring solar panels to a rooftop near you very soon. This bill allows renters, homeowners with shaded roofs, tenants of apartment buildings and others to receive the benefits of solar energy by giving utility ratepayers access to virtual net-metering. This allows anyone to purchase solar power from a solar installation, which can then be credited to one’s monthly electric bill.

As of right now, the only way one can buy solar energy is to put solar panels on their roof or to purchase RECs directly from a company.  This bill will allow non-homeowners to buy solar energy direct from the source!

Specifically, the Community Renewable Energy Act of 2012 (CREA):

Enables community renewable energy arrangements in which at least two utility customers may share the benefits of a community energy-generating facility

Credits the benefits from a community energy generating facility directly to a customer’s monthly utility bill to offset electricity demand

Allows for-profit, non-profit or third-party entities to build, own, and operate community energy generating facilities

Creates opportunities for participation by low-income utility customers

This bill builds upon D.C.’s existing renewable energy policies and programs and would create explicit opportunities for those unable to install on-site renewable energy systems. Considering that all ratepayers and taxpayers help to support renewable energy programs, it makes sense that opportunities should exist for everyone to benefit from the renewable energy economy.

DC residents, take action here to ask the city council to pass the Community Renewable Energy Act!