Gas Efficiency Fund
The DCSEU's Income Qualified Efficiency Fund is designed to support projects that improve buildings, neighborhoods, or whole communities through energy efficiency. In 2020, Washington Gas partnered with the DCSEU to provide funding for natural gas efficiency upgrades for low- and limited-income residents of affordable multifamily housing in the District of Columbia. These gas efficiency projects were funded by Washington Gas as part of its commitment to the community in the AltaGas and WGL merger in July 2018.
Eligibility
Applicants must be an approved contractor or a property management organization or owner of multifamily affordable housing in DC willing to work with approved contractors. Contractors who are not currently under contract for the Income Qualified Gas Efficiency Fund program must submit to the Request for Qualifications to become an approved contractor. Preference will be given to minority-, women-, and veteran-owned contractors. Potential projects are eligible to receive up to $500,000 in funding.
Income Requirements
“Low-Income Households” are households that have annual incomes equal to or below 80% of the Area Median Income (“AMI”) or 60% of the State Median Income (“SMI”).
Eligible Projects
For gas efficiency projects funded by Washington Gas, only natural gas measures in income-qualified multifamily housing located in the District of Columbia will be considered. Low-Income Communities are classified as Multifamily Buildings that serve low-income households. “Low-Income Housing” is defined as the District’s stock of affordable, low-income housing. It is defined as either (a) a building where the owner or occupant meets the definition of “low-income households” listed above, (b) a multifamily building where at least 66% of the households meet the definition of “low-income households” listed above, (c) buildings owned by non-profit organizations or government that meet the definition of “low-income households” listed above, or (d) buildings where there are contracts or other legal instruments in place that assure that at least 66% of the housing units in the building will be occupied by low-income households.
Health and Safety Measures
Essential health and safety upgrades, such as enhanced ventilation or roof repairs, necessary to complete efficiency upgrades may be considered for funding, capped at 25% of the total funding requested.
Selection Criteria
Funding was competitively awarded to approved contractors for energy efficiency projects that generate significant energy savings and pass the associated financial benefits on to low-income residents in the District of Columbia.
Energy Savings per Dollar
Projects that achieved more energy savings with the fewer dollars spent will receive preference. Savings was calculated based on the price per MMBTU of energy saved.
Matching Funds
Projects that had more matching funds secured towards the total cost of the energy efficiency upgrades received preference.
Innovative Measures
Projects that incorporated innovative measures not currently eligible for standard rebates but that deliver energy savings received preference.
Contractor Status
Projects utilizing minority-, women-, and veteran-owned contractors received preference.
Key Dates and Deadlines
February 20, 2020
FY 2020 Gas Efficiency Fund Opens for applications.
April 30, 2020
Applications are due to DCSEU by 5pm.
June 5, 2020
Application decisions are announced (pending pre-inspection & analysis review).
June 29, 2020 – July 13, 2020
Work orders issued and project work begins.
October 30, 2020
All measures must be installed and final invoices are due to the DCSEU.
Apply for Funding
Project submissions for the Income Qualified Gas Efficiency Fund program, funded by Washington Gas, are now closed. If you are interested in pursuing a project with the DCSEU, you can access no-cost technical assistance and rebates for your affordable multifamily housing, clinic, or shelter in the following ways:
- Apply for Income-Qualified lighting or HVAC rebates
- Submit a Custom project to the DCSEU to work with a DCSEU Account Manager