Dispute Over Solar Power Credits Dismissed in Washington, D.C.

Strategic Insights -

Eric J. Pourciau, a resident of Washington, D.C., filed a complaint with the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia in February 2025, alleging that the Potomac Electric Power Company (Pepco) had not fully credited him for the excess generation created by his solar power system. Pourciau relied on a software application provided by his solar company, which purportedly displayed a daily graph with the amount of electricity his solar panels generated during a designated period. However, Pepco argued that customer bills are based on the usage of electricity from the grid minus the excess generation, as reflected in readings from the customer's net energy meter. After testing Complainant's meter, Pepco stated that the meter was operating accurately, and therefore, Complainant was properly credited for excess generation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The dispute centered on the amount of excess generation credited to Pourciau's solar power system by Pepco.
  • The Commission regulations require customer-generators to be credited for any excess electricity generation created by their solar power systems.
  • Pepco tested Pourciau's meter and the test results indicated that the meter was operating accurately.
  • Complainant relied solely on the figures stated in his software application, which was not an authorized method for calculating generation.
  • The Commission dismissed Pourciau's complaint, finding no basis to support his argument that his bills are incorrect and warrant the award of additional credits.
  • Pepco is required by regulation to bill customers based on the customer's net energy meter readings.

Statistics:

  • The Commission regulations require customer-generators to be credited for any excess electricity generation created by their solar power systems (15 DCMR § 903).
  • Pepco tested Complainant's meter and the test results indicated that the meter was operating accurately (Answer at Attachment 1).
  • Complainant was properly credited the correct amount for excess generation, as per the net energy meter readings (Answer at 1).

Sources:

  • PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 1325 G STREET N.W., SUITE 800 WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005 In the Matter of: ) ) ERIC J. POURCIAU, ) Complainant, ) Consumer Complaint ) No. 2025-9075276 v. ) May 22, 2025 ) POTOMAC ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, ) Respondent.
  • 15 DCMR § 903: Net Energy Billing and Crediting For SOS Customers
  • 15 DCMR § 904.1: Installation of net energy meters
  • 15 DCMR § 326.6 (2008): Appeals from the Hearing Officer's Decision