Let’s keep DMV energy bills low!

I am writing to urge you to carefully reconsider how energy policies are being advanced through the FY27 budget process.

Right now, budget and code decisions tied to “net‑zero” requirements are effectively advancing a natural gas ban and mandatory all‑electric buildings on a rushed timeline. These decisions will have detrimental, real‑world consequences for DC residents, workers, and small businesses who rely on natural gas every day.

At stake is energy affordability and economic stability for the District.

DC already has some of the highest electricity rates in the region, and mandating all-electric construction could cost individual residents $900 to $1,400 more per year in electricity bill increases. For low‑ and moderate‑income households—especially renters—this is not sustainable.

More than 1 in 7 low‑income households already fall behind on monthly utility bills, and thousands experience disconnections each year. Policies that raise costs without providing relief will deepen hardship, not reduce it.

These budget‑driven mandates also:

-Make housing more expensive—or impossible—to build
-Increase costs for restaurants and small businesses
-Threaten thousands of jobs for skilled workers and contractors
-Add massive electric demand that will stress the grid, and surge energy costs

Energy and climate goals are important—but they must not be achieved by raising household bills, reducing housing supply, or eliminating affordable energy choices, especially through the budget process.

Please support a 1-year net-zero delay included in Mayor Bowser’s budget request.

DC’s budget should help residents—not make it harder for them to afford energy, stay housed, or keep their doors open.

Thank you for your consideration.