PowerPath DC: Building a Sustainable Energy Future for the District
By The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia
"In the heart of the nation’s capital, an energy revolution is quietly taking shape. PowerPath DC, an initiative led by the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (DCPSC), is transforming how District residents receive, use, and interact with energy. Through several innovative renewable energy pilot projects and community engagement, PowerPath DC ensures the city’s energy future is not only sustainable, but equitable and resilient.
Modernizing the District’s energy grid
As urban centers worldwide grapple with climate change and the need to reduce carbon emissions, the District has set ambitious goals, including carbon neutrality by 2045. PowerPath DC is at the forefront of this effort, with the PowerPath DC Pilot Projects Governance Board leading the way in implementing groundbreaking energy solutions. The DCPSC established the board to select and recommend innovative energy pilot projects to the Commission.
“The pilot projects coming out of our PowerPath DC initiative are tangible examples of our commitment to creating a modern energy grid that works for all District residents,” said DCPSC Chairman Emile Thompson. “By testing innovative approaches at the community level, we’re building a foundation for citywide transformation,” he added.
Heating and cooling from the ground up
Among the most promising PowerPath DC projects is the Community Heat Pump Pilot Project. This program replaces traditional fossil fuel-based heating and cooling systems with large-scale geothermal heat pump systems that serve multiple buildings, significantly reducing carbon emissions while providing reliable climate control.
In Ward 8, two projects showcase this approach in action. The first is a $2.5 million contract awarded in 2023 that is funding a geothermal heat pump system at the Barry Farm Redevelopment. The project brings together Preservation for Affordable Housing, Brightcore Energy, and Engenium Group in a collaborative effort to create sustainable, affordable housing.
Similarly, at Meadow Green Courts apartments, another community heat pump project is underway, further expanding the reach of this technology throughout the District.
For residents, these systems offer significant benefits beyond environmental considerations: more stable energy costs, improved indoor air quality, and the satisfaction of contributing to a healthier planet.
...For District residents, the promise is clear: cleaner air, more reliable energy, potential cost savings, and new green economy jobs. By investing in these innovative projects today, PowerPath DC is helping to ensure that the District of Columbia remains at the forefront of urban sustainability for generations to come."