Councilmember Wells Praises Committee Action on Clean Energy;
Adds Amendment to Make Sustainable Energy Choices More Affordable

Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells today praised the decision by the Committee on Public Services and Consumer Affairs to approve the “Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008”.

“The debate over whether global warming is real is over,” stated Mr. Wells. “The demand for renewable energy choices is growing.  People want more of their energy to come from clean sources and the clean energy market has been responding,” he added.

The Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008 is targeted to address the challenges faced with increasing energy demands and works to change the environment of the District for shifting to clean energy sources.

Councilmember Wells offered an amendment that was successfully incorporated into the bill that requires the commission to explore ways to both provide affordable financing options to energy consumers and link those payments for renewable energy technologies through their utility bill as a way to make these choices more affordable.

“Just as the large down payment required before the long term benefits of home ownership can be enjoyed, the upfront cost of purchasing clean energy technologies such as solar panels or geothermal heat pumps put the wise option out of reach for most people,” stated Wells.

There is a growing demand among District residents for renewable energy choices.  The current list of applicants for the DC grant program for assistance with installing solar panels is much longer than the program can accommodate. Many other cities have recently begun working to implement affordable, long-term financing options for energy consumers. 

Long-term low interest loans would put the option of renewable energy technologies within reach of thousands more households.  Grant programs have only been able to help a couple of dozen.

Wells added, “My amendment will help residents choose to put solar panels on their homes or business, and help pay the cost through reasonable monthly payments.”

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