DC Restaurants - Are You Paying Sales Tax On Your Electric & Gas Supply? You Shouldn't Be.

March 3, 2026

Read the instructions below on how to obtain a Tax Exemption Certificate.

At Electric Advisors, our mission is to ensure that all our clients are maximizing their efforts toward responsible energy spending. Many business owners are often uncertain about whether or not their business is required to pay sales tax on their utility bills.


Here are the instructions for how to take advantage of Washington D.C.'s sales tax exemption process for all restaurants and manufacturers. If you have any questions, please reach out to us via email!


  1. From the MyTax.DC.gov homepage, log in using your username and password
  2. From your homepage Summary, locate the applicable account that you would like to request a contractor’s exempt purchase certificate (e.g. Sales & Use Tax), and click View other Options.
  3. Under the Certificates section, click Utility Exemption Certificate
  4. Carefully read the Utility Exemption Instructions, and click  Next.
  5. On the Utility Exemption Certificate page, complete the following steps by submitting information as follows.
  6. Carefully review the pre-populated Purchaser Information section to ensure your information is correct. If you notice errors, you can change the Name, Address, and NAICS code on MyTax.dc.gov -> More tab -> Manage Names and Addresses.
  7. Answer Yes or No if your billing address is different from the Service Address listed.
  8. In the Utility Detail section, from the drop down bar, select the Type of Utility and Name of Utility Distributor. Enter your Meter/Sub-Meter Number (omitting any letters) and Utility Account Number and select the Utility Purpose from the drop down bar.
  9. Attach required documents and click Submit
  10. A confirmation page displays. If you would like to print a copy, select Printable View


Your certificates will be posted to your My Tax DC account within approximately 5-7 business days.


The certificates will then need to be filed with the appropriate utility company (Pepco DC or Washington Gas), as well as any suppliers you may be purchasing your energy from.


If you’re unsure whether you’re paying sales tax on your energy supply, send your recent utility bills to info@electricadvisors.com to have us look them over!


Electric Advisors, Inc | info@electricadvisors.com | (240) 752-6866

5272 River Road, Suite 440, Bethesda, MD 20816


Aerial view of Baltimore's Inner Harbor with buildings, boats, and a wide body of water reflecting the cityscape.

Energy Incentives Are Available, But Do You Know Where To Look?

By Andrew Sandglass • July 9, 2026
Your guide to Energy Incentives for Maryland is here

Why Everyone Is Talking About Utility Bill Audits (And You Should Too)

By Russell Lacey • June 24, 2026
For most business owners, the monthly utility bill is just another line item to be paid and filed away. You glance at the total, ensure it isn't astronomically higher than last month, and move on. But in 2026, with energy markets facing unprecedented volatility and complex new tariff structures, that "glance and pay" strategy is costing American businesses billions in overpayments. The good news? You don’t have to just accept these costs as the price of doing business. Everyone is talking about utility bill audits because they have transitioned from a "nice-to-have" occasional check to a critical financial strategy. At Electric Advisors, Inc., we’ve seen firsthand how a meticulous review of historical invoices can uncover significant refunds and permanent rate reductions. 

The Easiest 8-12% Your Business Will Ever Save: Community Solar in MD & DE

By Russell Lacey • June 15, 2026
In the world of commercial operations, finding a way to slash overhead by double digits without spending a dime upfront is usually a red flag for a "too good to be true" offer. But in 2026, for businesses operating within the BGE, Pepco, Potomac Edison, and Delmarva utility territories across Maryland and Delaware, this isn't a sales pitch, it’s a regulatory reality. Community solar has evolved from a niche pilot program into a mainstream financial strategy for savvy business owners. If your business pays its own utility bills but doesn't have the roof space, the capital, or the long-term lease to install traditional solar panels, community solar is your bridge to immediate savings. The good news? You can typically reduce your monthly electricity spend by 8% to 12% simply by enrolling. Here is how your business can capture this "easy win." Key Takeaways Zero Upfront Costs: No installation, no equipment maintenance, and no capital expenditure. Guaranteed Savings: Most subscriptions offer a fixed percentage discount (typically 8–12%) on the solar credits applied to your bill. Tenant-Friendly: Perfect for businesses that rent their office, warehouse, or retail space. Market Reach: Available to businesses in BGE, Pepco, Potomac Edison, and Delmarva (MD & DE) territories. Risk Mitigation: Electric Advisors handles the vetting to ensure you choose a project with favorable terms and no hidden cancellation fees.