Pepco Net Metering Rules & Billing in DC
Regulatory guide to electricity billing, generation credits, and interconnecting solar systems to the Pepco power grid.
What is the Pepco net metering rate in DC?
Under District of Columbia Public Service Commission guidelines, Pepco offers a full retail 1-to-1 net metering credit rate. This means you receive 100% credit equivalent to Pepco's current retail rate (typically between 14.5 and 16.5 cents per kWh) for every kilowatt-hour of excess solar energy your roof system sends back to the electrical grid.
These credits accumulate on your monthly billing statements and roll over indefinitely month-to-month, allowing you to bank excess credits during high-production summer months and consume them during low-production winter months.
Net Metering Legislation Overview
Net energy metering is authorized under the District of Columbia Public Service Commission (PSC) rules. This protocol legally mandates utility providers (Pepco) to purchase surplus clean energy produced by your roof array at full retail pricing values.
1. Mechanics of Net Energy Exchange
Net metering operates as a continuous bilateral balance between your roof array and the Pepco grid. Here is the sequential process:
Generation
During sunny midday peak hours, your solar array generates electricity. This power satisfies your home's immediate electrical needs.
Grid Export
Any excess solar power generated that is not consumed in your house is instantly pumped backward into the Pepco grid, turning your electric meter backward.
Credits Issued
You receive full retail 1-to-1 credits on your Pepco bill for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) exported. You draw on these credits during non-generation hours.
2. Pepco DC Carryover Rules
Indefinite Credit Carryover Policy
Under Washington DC utility guidelines, credits you earn in high-production spring and summer months do not expire. They roll forward into your account balance indefinitely. This credit bank is automatically drawn down during dark winter months, keeping your average net billing rate near $0 throughout the year.
3. Bidirectional Smart Meter Upgrade
Standard electrical meters are unidirectional (they only count power consumed). Following installation, our partner engineers file an interconnection application with Pepco. Pepco field crews then visit your property to exchange your meter for a bidirectional smart meter.
This meter swap is completed at no cost to the property owner. The new meter registers both import from grid (delivered) and export to grid (received) metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still receive a bill from Pepco?
Yes. You will continue to receive a monthly statement from Pepco. Even if your net energy consumption is zero or negative, Pepco charges a fixed customer service connection fee of approximately $12.00 to remain connected to the grid.
What happens if my solar system generates more power than I use in a year?
If your generation exceeds consumption, your credit bank continues to build. In DC, Pepco allows residential systems to carry this net credit indefinitely, helping hedge against future utility price hikes.
Verify Your DC Property Shading & Structure
Check if your roof meets the parameters for the 0-Cent PPA solar incentive program. Our registry database checks shading coefficients, structural profiles, and Ward-specific Pepco parameters instantly.
Pepco Approved Partners
Our solar matching platform operates exclusively with Pepco-certified structural engineering installers who hold active commercial interconnection agreements in the District.
Check Interconnection
Enter your address to determine your local Pepco circuit capacity and check net metering availability.
Check Registry NowPepco DC Rate Fact
Washington DC residents pay approximately 14.5 to 16.5 cents per kWh for electricity. Net metering credits offset this cost at the same 1-to-1 rate, offering far better returns than standard grid buy-back systems in other states.