DC Sustainable Energy Utility

We know that comfort and savings go hand-in-hand-and it's our job to help spread those benefits. Through technical assistance and rebates, we enable homeowners and renters to make energy choices that are right for them. For many business owners, the cost of energy can be a variable, burdensome expense. It doesn't have to be. By helping business owners reduce energy use, we help them free up monthly cash-flow and boost their bottom lines. Since 2012, the DCSEU has worked with DOEE and local contractors to install more than 500 solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on single-family affordable housing in the District.

The District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) helps DC residents and businesses use less energy and save money. Since 2011, the DCSEU has delivered financial incentives, technical assistance, and information to tens of thousands of District residents and businesses, helping them to save millions of dollars on their energy costs. Our work is building a brighter economic, environmental, and energy future for the District. The DCSEU's funding comes from the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund (SETF) and the Renewable Energy Development Fund (REDF).

Since 2011, the DCSEU has worked with contractors across the District and surrounding area to help DC residents, businesses, and institutions save money and energy. The DCSEU is especially focused on working with Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) and other District-based contractors to create opportunities for local businesses and jobs for DC residents. From direct contracting opportunities with the DCSEU to perform energy efficiency and renewable energy work, to providing rebates as a DCSEU Participating Contractor, there are a number of ways to take advantage of DCSEU rebates and services to build your business and provide added value for your customers.

Don't let your water heater drain your bank account. When your water heater stops working you have a great opportunity to upgrade to a more efficient system and the DCSEU can help. Quick Info: Work with a DC-licensed contractor to maximize energy savings and make sure your purchase is eligible for a rebate from the DCSEU. If your current water heater meets your needs most of the time, you can probably replace it with one the same size. Your contractor can help you decide if a larger model is necessary.

If your business has refrigeration, installing energy-efficient equipment and controls on existing or new equipment can help you reduce energy costs, enhance equipment reliability, and improve your bottom line. The DCSEU provides standard rebates to District businesses and enhance rebates to small businesses in the District for installing new ENERGY STAR refrigerators and freezers. All projects must be submitted for pre-approval prior to the purchase of equipment. Applications that are not submitted for pre-approval are not guaranteed to receive rebates from the DCSEU.

Lighting accounts for 20-50% of the electricity consumption at a business. The DCSEU provides standard rebates to District businesses and enhanced rebates to small businesses in the District for installing a wide range of new, energy-efficient lighting and lighting controls, suitable for all types of business needs. Quality, efficient lighting not only lowers energy costs, it can influence the way people feel and perform and has been shown to increase sales, improve student grades, and raise employee productivity.

If your current heating system is more than 15 years old or not working as well as you'd like, buying a more efficient model will put you on the road to major savings on your energy bills. While efficient heating systems can be more expensive, the cost difference will be paid back over time through lower energy bills. Zoned Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems use a network of thermostats that control temperatures in different areas of the house. System zoning allows you to save money by running temperature-controlled air to those rooms only when necessary.

Don't let choosing light bulbs overwhelm you next time you are at the store. Use the DCSEU's Lighting Guide to help you find the right bulb for every fixture in your home. And don't forget to look for the ENERGY STAR® label on all the bulbs your purchase. When it comes to picking the color of light you want, there are a lot of choices. Measured in Kelvin (K), if you like the warm light that a traditional incandescent bulb produces, look for something around 2,700K - 3,000K. For a whiter light, look for something in the 3,500K - 4,100K range.

Going solar saves money and reduces your carbon footprint. Through Solar for All, a Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) program, the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) is working with local solar contractors to design and install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at no cost to income-qualified District homeowners. These systems have the potential to offset electricity costs by as much as $500 per year. Homeowners must contract with a solar installer that is authorized by the DCSEU. The local installer can assess whether the shading and orientation of your home and the condition of your roof makes your home a good candidate for solar.

A dehumidifier pulls moisture from the air, helping to reduce humidity and improve the quality of air, but it should be properly sized for the needs of your home. A dehumidifier that is too large will waste energy and lead to higher electricity bills. Bigger isn't always better. The size you'll need depends on the size of your room (or basement) and the amount of moisture present in the air. The DCSEU offers a $35 rebate on qualifying dehumidifiers. The select appliances eligible for this rebate help you save more energy and money, while helping to protect the environment.

In the District we are no strangers to heat and humidity, so cooling costs can make your summer energy bills seem unbearable. Reducing energy use for air conditioning can be accomplished by switching to high-efficiency air conditioners and improving the overall energy-efficiency of your home. A DC-licensed HVAC contractor can help you make sure your choices are eligible for rebates. Confirm that your new efficient air conditioning equipment is compatible with your existing HVAC system to be eligible for the rebate and result in expected energy savings.

We all want a comfortable, healthy, and productive living environment. Actively regulating the temperature, humidity, and overall air quality of your home can help. There are many options for controlling your heating and cooling systems like programmable thermostats, smart thermostats, outdoor temperature reset controls, and utilizing heating zones-the right option depends on the size, layout, and energy needs of your home. A smart thermostat is a home heating and cooling control that has the same benefits as a programmable thermostat, with additional controllability to save you energy.