Washington D.C. Electricity Rates
Washington D.C. deregulated its electricity market in 2000, giving all residential and commercial customers the power to choose their electricity supplier. With rates averaging 24.03¢/kWh—33% above the national average—D.C. residents and the capital’s massive commercial sector have significant incentive to compare suppliers. Pepco (Potomac Electric Power Company) handles all delivery, while licensed competitive suppliers offer generation at various rates and terms.
Key Takeaways
D.C. Avg Rate
U.S. National Average
How D.C. Electricity Deregulation Works
Washington D.C. passed the Retail Electric Competition and Consumer Protection Act in 2000, opening its electricity market to competition. Pepco (Potomac Electric Power Company, an Exelon subsidiary) continues to deliver electricity through its distribution network, while licensed competitive suppliers offer generation service at various rates and terms. The D.C. Public Service Commission (PSC) oversees the market and protects consumers.
You’re in Pepco Territory
All D.C. residents and businesses are served by Pepco for delivery. Pepco handles your electric meter, power lines, outage restoration, and billing.
Compare Suppliers
Browse licensed competitive suppliers and compare supply rates, contract terms, and green energy options. The DC PSC and ElectricChoice.com provide comparison tools.
Select & Enroll
Choose a plan and sign up with your supplier online or by phone. They handle the enrollment notification to Pepco.
Start Saving
The switch completes within 1–2 billing cycles with zero service interruption. Pepco continues delivering your power. Only the supply charge changes.
D.C.’s Clean Energy Mandate
Washington D.C. has one of the most ambitious clean energy targets in the nation: 100% renewable electricity by 2032 under the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act. This mandate is driving significant investment in solar and wind procurement, and many competitive suppliers now offer 100% renewable plans—often at rates competitive with conventional electricity. D.C.’s Solar for All program also provides solar energy benefits to low-income residents.
D.C. Business Electricity Rates
Washington D.C.’s commercial rate of 20.86¢/kWh reflects the capital’s massive concentration of office buildings, government facilities, and commercial real estate. The district has some of the highest commercial electricity consumption per square mile in the nation.
Government & Embassies
Federal buildings, embassies, and government agencies are among D.C.’s largest electricity consumers. Many federal facilities have their own procurement programs, but smaller agencies and contractors benefit from competitive supply options.
Commercial Real Estate
D.C.’s office corridors along K Street, Pennsylvania Avenue, and the Capitol Riverfront require significant power for HVAC, lighting, and tenant operations. Fixed-rate plans stabilize operating budgets.
Hospitality & Tourism
Hotels, restaurants, and museums along the National Mall and throughout the district are major electricity consumers. Tourism-dependent businesses benefit from predictable fixed-rate energy plans.
Best Time to Shop for D.C. Electricity
Spring: Mar–May
D.C.’s mild spring weather reduces both heating and cooling demand. PJM wholesale prices drop and suppliers offer competitive fixed rates to attract new customers.
Summer: Jun–Aug
D.C.’s hot, humid summers drive air conditioning demand higher across the district’s dense commercial and residential buildings. PJM wholesale prices rise during heat waves.
Fall: Sep–Nov
Cooling demand fades and prices retreat. An excellent window to lock in a fixed rate that protects you through winter and the following summer.
Frequently Asked Questions About D.C. Electricity
Is Washington D.C. a deregulated electricity market?
Yes. Washington D.C. deregulated its electricity market in 2000 through the Retail Electric Competition and Consumer Protection Act. All residential and commercial customers served by Pepco can choose their electricity supplier.
What is the average electricity rate in D.C.?
The average residential rate is 24.03¢/kWh—33% above the national average. The commercial rate averages 20.86¢/kWh, reflecting D.C.’s high density of commercial buildings and urban infrastructure costs.
What is Standard Offer Service in D.C.?
Standard Offer Service (SOS) is Pepco’s default supply rate for customers who haven’t chosen a competitive supplier. SOS rates are set through competitive procurements overseen by the D.C. PSC and change periodically. Compare SOS against competitive supplier rates to see which saves you more.
What is D.C.’s renewable energy target?
Washington D.C. has set a goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2032 under the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act. This is one of the most aggressive clean energy targets in the nation. The Solar for All program also ensures low-income residents benefit from solar energy.
Who do I call for power outages in D.C.?
For power outages, contact Pepco at 877-737-2662. Pepco handles all delivery infrastructure and outage restoration regardless of your electricity supplier.
About this Data
Rate data is sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the District of Columbia Public Service Commission, Pepco, PJM Interconnection, and the ElectricChoice.com electric rate marketplace. Last data refresh: March 2026.
