DC Attorney General files complaint against Pepco for 'systemically mishandling' solar panel project

The solar programs are part of an effort to combat the impacts of climate change in D.C.

WASHINGTON — Editor's note: A previous version of this story identified Karl Racine as the Maryland Attorney General. He is the D.C. Attorney General. The correction has been made.

The D.C. Attorney General has accused Pepco of "systemically mishandling" community solar panel projects and potentially overcharging thousands of D.C. households in an effort to undermine the District's efforts to meet previously set clean energy goals.

Attorney General Karl A. Racine announced Thursday that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC) have filed a complaint against the utility.

Racine says D.C. officials have continuously tried to work with Pepco to address problems with the community solar programs for almost two years. Part of the more than 6,800 households, who are supposed to get solar energy discounts, include thousands of low-income residents

"Unfortunately, these programs are still not working as intended, and residents continue to get overcharged on their electric bills,” Racine said. “Enough is enough. We have heard from numerous D.C. residents who are rightly fed up with Pepco’s seeming inability, intentional or otherwise, to allow for consumer choice and transition to clean energy, as required by law."

The solar programs are part of an effort to combat the impacts of climate change in D.C. While solar panels can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as help residents save money on their energy bills, the installation is costly and some residents don't have the ability to install the panels themselves or may rent homes or apartments.

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/maryland-attorney-general-complaint-pepco-systemically-mishandling-solar-panel-project/65-c1e5546a-5396-489f-9e81-82eda47d6247?