Impact Story

15 years and counting: Rick Fleury reflects on the DCSEU

In a world that moves quickly, there is something powerful about staying—about committing to something long enough to see it grow, evolve, and truly make an impact. That is the story of the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU). 

When DCSEU launched in 2011, there was no roadmap. There were no fully built programs or long-standing partnerships. Instead, there was a small team with a vision and the willingness to figure things out in real time. Rick Fleury was a core part of that team.

He describes those early days as a “build it as we go” effort where everything was created from scratch, from internal processes to community relationships. Forging a new brand while navigating the complexities of Washington, DC, wasn’t always easy, but Rick found it purposeful.

One of the first programs Rick designed was the Commercial Direct Install program, which focused on replacing T-12 fluorescent lighting with high-performance T-8 fluorescent alternatives. The DCSEU partnered with local Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) to help District businesses make the switch to more efficient systems. Though clean energy technology has changed over the years, Rick and the team have maintained the same commitment to solutions that will benefit residents and businesses for years to come.

Over time, the DCSEU began to take shape and evolved into an established pillar of the community. The DCSEU is now a trusted partner across the District known for delivering energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions that make a real impact in people’s everyday lives. This impact can be seen in more comfortable homes, more affordable utility bills, lower business operating costs, and a healthier community with lower emissions and pollution.  

Staying with an organization for more than a decade is not just about tenure; it’s about belief in the work. When reflecting on his fifteen-year run at the DCSEU, Rick shared a simple philosophy that has stayed with him: “If you learn something new each day, then it is a great day.” As technology, funding, and the District change, the DCSEU constantly evolves to meet community needs.  

For both Rick and the DCSEU, reaching 15 years is a moment to reflect and look ahead. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but we also know that our work is far from finished. Energy bills are rising fast and energy efficiency is one of the most affordable ways to provide relief for families and businesses for years to come. The DCSEU's programs, partnerships, and progress are shaping the future for generations of Washingtonians. 

And that is what makes our 15-year anniversary so meaningful. The DCSEU started as an organization focused on affordability and environmental impact and continues to grow, learn, and lead. If our first 15 years have taught us anything, it is this: When a team is committed to something that matters, the impact lasts far beyond the moment. Team members like Rick remain deeply committed to the mission, and we cannot wait to see what the next 15 years will bring.