The expected surge in demand for renewables comes on the heels of a strong 2015, when falling prices for clean energy technology and an improved regulatory and investment climate spurred an increase in the installation of wind turbines and solar panels.

“While solar and wind power have been expanding in the United States for years because of steadily falling costs, decisions by Congress and the White House in 2015 have set the stage for continued growth,”¹ Dan Reicher, a former Energy Department assistant secretary, and other energy experts say.

These decisions include the following:
• The extension of both the Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC) and Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in December, which provides the renewable energy sector with much-needed policy certainty, and
• The Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan, a regulation adopted in August that requires states to reduce emissions from power plants.

An additional impetus for clean energy came from the agreements reached at COP 21, or the United Nations Climate Change Conference, in Paris, where more than 190 countries approved a plan to reduce pollution from fossil-fuel burning worldwide.

If you’re looking to diversify your energy portfolio with wind or solar power in 2016, our energy market experts and certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) consultant will work with you to develop a renewable energy plan that meets your business and sustainability objectives.

We can facilitate block purchases of wind power or add it to your existing electricity supply, affording you the flexibility to choose electricity sourced from either regional or national wind farms. WindPower from WGL Energy is Green-e® Energy certified, ensuring that it meets the environmental and consumer protection standards set forth by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions.

Our Solar Electricity Supply Solution includes a 20-year Solar Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA), where you can lock in a fixed price for your electricity and protect your business from fluctuating energy markets. The balance of your electricity supply will come from a one to three-year WGL Energy Services, Inc. (WGL Energy) Electricity Supply Agreement, with flexible options thereafter.

Visit our website at www.wglenergy.com/commercialgreen for more information on our renewable energy solutions or email Rich Walsh at richard.walsh@wglenergy.com.

Endnote references
₁ Warrick, Joby. “Wind and Solar Power Soaring in Spite of Bargain Prices for Fossil Fuels.” The Washington Post.  January 2, 2016: A10. Retrieved from: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/wind-solar-power-soar-in-spite-of-bargain-prices-for-fossil-fuels/2015/12/30/754758b8-af19-11e5-9ab0-884d1cc4b33e_story.html