Residents Deserve Affordability, Reliability and Sustainability

October 7, 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 35

Dear Washingtonians,

Over the past several years, we have heard from countless residents and business owners who want affordability, reliability, and sustainability from our electric utility company.  We knew we could do better for District residents and ratepayers. That is why, when the Public Service Commission (PSC) rejected the Pepco-Exelon merger in August, we kept negotiating for a better deal.  

Since then, my team has been working with the People’s Counsel, the Attorney General and other housing and environmental stakeholders to reach an agreement that best serves residents in all 8 wards.  When Pepco and Exelon initially came to the table, they committed to a $14 million investment in the District.  After the negotiations, we increased that commitment by more than 500%, to $78 million. 

Affordability

Whether the District has Pepco, Exelon, or any other utility company, rates will rise.  However, if the PSC approves this settlement, residents will receive a one-time credit of $57 (on average) and will receive rate credits on their bills until March 2019.  In addition, several million dollars will be invested in programs that help low-income and senior residents with their utility bills. 

Reliability 

The merger will result in improved service and reliability for Pepco customers.  Exelon and Pepco have agreed to more rigorous reliability goals.  If they don’t meet their targets, Exelon will be subject to financial penalties.  In addition, they have committed to reduce the frequency and duration of power outages. 

Sustainability 

We negotiated an agreement that will support our goal to become a more sustainable city.  Millions of dollars will be set aside for energy efficiency programs and green infrastructure initiatives. Exelon will also commit to growing the use of wind and solar energy in the District.  They will dedicate funding to support solar projects (especially for low-income families), and will purchase 100 megawatts of wind power per year. 

Economic Impact

Whenever my Administration launches an initiative, we ensure that it creates pathways to the middle class.  This agreement will relocate 100 Pepco and Exelon jobs to the District within two years, create 102 jobs for union workers, and support the development of a workforce training “Infrastructure Academy” – to help residents get trained for good-paying, in demand jobs. 

To read more about the deal, click HERE. 

The settlement will now go to the PSC for review.  The PSC will continue to have an open and transparent process that allows District residents the opportunity to make your voices heard.  Our city deserves a fresh start for our utility system.  And this merger is a big step in the right direction.

Sincerely,

Muriel Bowser

Mayor

Busboys & Poets 10th Anniversary Event

I had the great pleasure of celebrating with Washingtonians, civil rights advocates, authors, poets and other artists at the 10th Anniversary of Busboys & Poets in Brookland.  Thanks to entrepreneurs like Andy Shallal, our city is not only the coolest city in America, we are also a city where art, music, and civic engagement are celebrated.  Busboys & Poets has helped many District residents find their pathways to the middle class by providing jobs, resources, and a great place to connect with friends and neighbors.  I look forward to following their continued success.

District Strikes Deal to Move Skyland Center Forward

Today, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Brian Kenner and I announced an agreement for a transformative project at Skyland Town Center in Ward 7.  Deputy Mayor Kenner and his team cleared the last legal hurdle to get this project off the ground, after years in the making.  The new development will be anchored by a Wal Mart, and will eventually be home to 476 mixed income residential units.  This project will bring much-needed amenities to an area that has long been underserved, put hundreds of District residents to work, and create more pathways to the middle class. 

FitDC Ward 4 Walk

On Saturday morning, I will join residents from Ward 4 for a FitDC Walk, starting at Takoma Community Center.  FitDC promotes healthy living by encouraging friends and neighbors to participate in activities that get us moving.  I’m looking forward to seeing our Ward 4 residents out there.  Together, we’ll take steps toward the District’s ‘Billion Steps Challenge.’  Learn more at www.fitdc.com.   

Ending Homelessness With Your Help

Each year, thousands of men, women and children experience homelessness in our city.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  My Administration is changing the way we approach homelessness in the District – by using proven strategies that work, and by using our resources more efficiently.  Our entire community has a stake in ending homelessness and supporting our most vulnerable residents.  We need your help, and we need your voice.  Please join us by taking this pledge, and encourage your co-workers, family, friends, and neighbors to sign on, too.  We have an opportunity to do something great for our city.  Together, we will end homelessness in our nation’s capital. 

#IAmMBSYEP Job Spotlight: Ja'Mia Morton, Part-Time Administrative Assistant, WDC Solar

This week’s #IAmMBSYEP Job Spotlight is Ja’Mia Morton, a 22-year-old, Ward 7 resident and graduate of Spingarn STAY High School. 

This summer, Ja’Mia interned as an entry-level renewable energy installer with WDC Solar. When asked how MBSYEP helped her career, she replied: 

“SYEP taught me what’s necessary to succeed in a professional environment, and because of the new program for 22-24 year olds, I was able to secure a new job with WDC Solar.” 

Ja’Mia is now employed as a part-time administrative assistant for WDC Solar.  Ja’Mia is a shining example of why we expanded MBSYEP, and how the program is creating pathways to the middle class.

Pathways to the Middle Class - Job Posting of the Week: Assistant Manager (Books from Birth Project Manager), DC Public Library

Reading is fundamental to success in school and beyond.  But it’s also the gateway to a whole new world through imagination fueled by words and pictures.  DC Public Library is looking for an Assistant Manager for its “Books from Birth” Project. The chosen candidate will have primary oversight of the program, which provides children under the age of five a free book every month through the mail.  Responsibilities include: developing program offerings, policies, procedures, guidelines, and standards, administering financial operations, serving as the spokesperson and primary liaison for the program, and more.  If you want to make a difference in the lives of countless kids, and for more information about the position, visit here.  

Stay in contact with me and my Administration online. Like me on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter @MayorBowser to stay up to speed. Follow my team, @TeamMuriel, for the latest news and information from the John A. Wilson Building and District government agencies. Follow me on Instagram @Mayor_Bowser for even more updates on what's happening around town.  Lastly, find our online picture albums on Flickr.