Washington DC has set a target of sourcing 50% of its electricity usage from renewables.

A total of 5% of that goal will come from solar, according to its new ‘Renewable Portfolio Standard Bill’.

The new law will increase financial penalties for those electricity suppliers that fail to comply with the new target.

A programme to help low income homeowners install solar systems on their homes will also be established.

The new goal is expected to help the city reduce its carbon emissions by 50% during the same period.

Washington DC Mayor Muriel E. Bowser claims the new law will also create jobs and help householders reduce their energy bills.

He said: “We will serve 100,000 low income households by 2032 – that’s more than 6,000 homes per year and we’ll reduce their electricity bills by 50% as a result. We’ll be creating at least 100 green jobs in the first year, with that number growing every year through 2032. That means reducing carbon emissions, lowering residents’ energy bills and providing pathways to the middle class through the burgeoning marketplace of clean energy – all at the same time.”