Washington D.C. just took a major step forward to advance climate action goals by increasing the renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 50% by 2032. This means that 50% of all energy generation must come from renewable energy sources, which means more wind and more solar! Included in the bill is a 5% solar carve-out that includes a “Solar for All” program intended specifically for low-income households. This is where GRID Alternatives comes in. As the nation’s largest non-profit solar installer, we intend to help the District achieve its goals of helping 100,000 low-income households reduce electricity costs through solar and energy efficiency.
Additionally, the new RPS bill will be a boon to solar job growth. The growing solar industry will continue to expand under this new bill and in doing so, companies will seek skilled workers to fill jobs. GRID Alternatives is committed to connecting job seekers to employers through our workforce development program. Each additional solar installation offers a hands-on classroom space for job trainees and volunteers looking to gain solar skills to make them more marketable to the solar industry.
GRID Alternatives applauds the D.C. City Council for passing a bill that addresses the need for a transition to clean energy in a way that helps residents and supports the growing solar industry. We are excited to help D.C. move towards a clean energy economy.