District of Columbia Launches ‘PowerPath DC’ to Advance Grid Modernization Efforts

The District of Columbia Public Service Commission is paving the regulatory path forward in the district’s clean energy policies with “PowerPath DC,” the next phase of its grid modernization efforts, according to an Aug. 2 press release. The new initiative will replace MEDSIS that was launched in 2015 to “modernize the distribution energy delivery system for increased sustainability.”

PowerPath DC will embrace the vision and guiding principles of MEDSIS, while also incorporating the district’s clean energy goals and climate policies in decision-making to evolve the energy delivery system.

The commission staff also issued a proposed order on the recommendations and learnings submitted by the stakeholders in the final MEDSIS working group report filed on May 31.

The approval of the recommendations would ensure the future grid is planned collaboratively with the flexibility required to accommodate innovation. The directives stemming from order will “yield tangible near-and long-term benefits” for residents and ratepayers, the agency said. Over the next five to ten years, the agency expects to make big strides, including the integration of more non-wire alternatives, deployment of more distributed energy resources, and expansion of electric vehicles and electric transportation infrastructure.

The agency highlighted the substantial outcomes from the working group reports including:

• a more transparent distribution system planning process;
• improved customer data access, with a new website for competitive energy suppliers  and expansion of “Green Button Connect My Data;”
• a  $21.5  million “Pilot Projects” program for innovative  projects;
• proposed definitions for “Non-Wires Alternative” and “Advanced Inverter.

Initial and reply comments are due by 45 and 60 days, respectively.