Washington, USA, aims to increase the proportion of renewable energy electricity to 50% by 2032, with photovoltaic electricity accounting for 5%

China Energy Storage Network News: The US capital Washington currently has the fifth most aggressive renewable energy quota system (RPS) policy in the country. As part of the new plan, the city plans to install solar photovoltaics for 100,000 low-income households.

The city government is currently working with GRIDAlternatives to train residents to install solar photovoltaic.

On the 26th, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser signed a bill requiring Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) to purchase 50% of renewable energy electricity for the city's users by 2032, of which 5% would be solar photovoltaic electricity.

The goal is a significant increase from the city’s previous 20% target for 2020, giving Washington the fifth-most aggressive renewable portfolio standard (RPS) policy in the U.S., behind Hawaii (100% by 2045), Vermont (75% by 2032), California and New York (both 50% by 2030), and higher than the 50% RPS target for 2040 that Oregon set last year for large investor-owned utilities.

The announcement of the plan comes as the city issued a heat advisory as a heat wave moved across the East Coast of the United States. "This week's extreme heat and volatile weather, including last week's hail and this winter's snowstorms, are examples of how climate change continues to impact our city and our planet," said Tommy Wells, secretary of the city's Department of Energy and Environment.

“The RPS Act provides a new way for us to mitigate the impacts of climate change and help us achieve our sustainable development goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% and increasing renewable energy to more than 50% of the District’s electricity supply by 2032.”

As part of the plan, the city will install solar PV on at least 6,000 low-income homes each year, with the goal of reaching more than 100,000 low-income homes by 2032. Considering the city has only 309,000 residential units, the commitment is significant.

City officials estimate that once the low-income photovoltaic program is implemented, more than 100 jobs will be created in the first year alone. Subsequently, the city government will sign an agreement with the non-profit organization GRIDAlternatives to provide paid training in photovoltaic panel installation, energy efficiency, safety and construction skills for young residents in the special zone.

The new law will also increase penalties, and PEPCO will be punished if it fails to meet the standards in any year.