Big policy shifts are on the horizon — and if your community association is considering solar, managing energy compliance, or using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for benchmarking, now is the time to pay attention.
Congress and DC Council are reviewing proposals that could reshape everything from solar tax incentives to benchmarking infrastructure and BEPS enforcement deadlines. Here’s what you need to know.
Solar Incentives May Disappear Within Months
The House has passed a bill nicknamed “A Big Beautiful Bill,” now under Senate review, that includes a major rollback of federal clean energy incentives. Most notably, it would eliminate the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar energy systems.
Key implications:
- The 30% solar tax credit would be completely eliminated 60 days after the bill becomes law
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and roof leases — the most popular no-upfront-cost solar options for condos and co-ops — would likely disappear
- Without the ITC, these financing models are no longer financially viable, drastically limiting access to solar
**If your building is considering a solar proposal, now is the time to act. Waiting could mean losing access to the most affordable path to solar and BEPS compliance.
Benchmarking Uncertainty: ENERGY STAR May Be Cut
In a separate but equally concerning move, the EPA has proposed eliminating the ENERGY STAR program, which includes ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager (ESPM) — the core benchmarking tool used for DC’s energy laws, including BEPS.
- No alternative platform has been announced
- ESPM is used by over 330,000 properties to track compliance across the country
- If discontinued, jurisdictions like DC, MoCo and MD may be forced to transition to a private benchmarking system
**Honeydew clients are protected. If you benchmark with us through The Honeydew Network, we’re already backing up your Portfolio Manager data and will transfer it seamlessly if a new system is required.
DC BEPS Compliance May Be Paused — But Don’t Count on It
Mayor Bowser’s proposed FY2026 budget includes a potential pause on BEPS enforcement — DC’s Building Energy Performance Standards for large buildings.
While this might sound like a reprieve, it’s still only a proposal and must be approved by both DC Council and Congress.
If passed, it could:
- Delay Cycle 2 to 2034 and Cycle 3 to 2040
- Extend Cycle 1 compliance deadlines for buildings not yet compliant
- Example: If a building misses the 2026 evaluation, the new deadline becomes Jan 1, 2033, based on 2032 energy data
**A similar proposal failed in 2023. Until officially passed, buildings should continue their compliance efforts as if deadlines remain unchanged.
What Your Condo or Co-op Should Do Now
With so much in flux, the best approach is to stay proactive and prepared:
- Move forward as if BEPS deadlines remain unchanged
- Fast-track solar proposals if you’re serious about pursuing a system under current incentives
- Stay updated via DC LAC and Honeydew’s briefings
- Engage legal and energy advisors early to stay ahead of any changes
Proactive communities will be best positioned — no matter how these policies evolve.
Honeydew’s Commitment to Our Network
For those in The Honeydew Network, you’re already ahead of the curve:
- We’re backing up all ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager data for your buildings
- We’ll be ready to migrate it to a new system if necessary — with no loss of data or compliance history
Need support navigating BEPS, solar decisions, or benchmarking changes?
Contact Honeydew Energy Advisors — we’re here to help your community stay compliant, reduce costs, and adapt to whatever changes come next.