Some not so sunny news came out of Washington, DC last week. Surprisingly, it had nothing to do with the federal government and everything to do with the local District government.

As reported by the Washington Post, dozens of DC residents who installed solar panels will not be receiving the solar rebates promised to them by the local government.

In all, the city has reneged on a commitment of about $700,000 to 51 residents, according to the D.C. Department of the Environment. The agency has pledged to try to find money in next year’s budget, its director, Christophe Tulou, said.

…

The abrupt suspension of the city’s Renewable Energy Incentive Plan, an annual $2 million fund that was supposed to last through fiscal 2012, threatens to dampen budding enthusiasm for clean energy among homeowners. The program has helped 315 people install solar panels, with another 417 on a waiting list that has been closed by city officials.

With many municipal and state governments tightening their belts, it’s perhaps not surprising that budget line items of all kinds are coming under increased scrutiny. It’s unfortunate, however, that DC officials chose to simply reneg on their promises, leaving residents hanging. Let’s hope these recent decisions provide the impetus to develop a more coherent and reliable solar energy incentive program, going forward.