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What is the IQEF?

The DCSEU's Income Qualified Efficiency Fund (IQEF) is designed to support lighting and electrical HVAC projects that improve buildings, neighborhoods, and whole communities through energy efficiency as well as direct contracting support. If you own or operate a multifamily property, shelter, or clinic that serves low- to moderate-income District residents, or you are a contractor working on a project at one of these properties, the DCSEU wants to hear from you.

The back of a women's head with a red hardhat that reads "S.A.F.E." on it as she enters a door.

Eligibility

To benefit from the IQEF, applicants must be a property management organization or owner willing to work with a DCSEU-approved contractor.

Eligible upgrades:

  • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and controls
  • Lighting controls, fixtures, and systems

Additionally, one of the following is required for qualifying multifamily buildings, clinics, and shelters:

  • The building must feature restrictions or other covenants requiring that at least 50% of all units are occupied by households with incomes less than or equal to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
  • The building owner must demonstrate that rent levels in at least 50% of all units are affordable to households with incomes less than or equal to 80% of the AMI
  • Buildings operating as clinics must be on this list of federally approved clinics in the District
A well-lit white and gray hallway of a healthcare clinic with LED fixtures.

1. Income Guidelines for FY 2025*
(October 1, 2024 - September 20, 2025)

Income Qualified Efficiency Fund Income Table

Household Size

Maximum Annual Income

1

$86,650

2

$99,000

3

$111,400

4

$123,750

5

$133,650

6

$144,550

7

$153,450

8

$163,350

2. Rent Level Guidelines for FY 2025*
(October 1, 2024 - September 20, 2025)

Income Qualified Efficiency Fund Maximum Rent Table

Bedrooms

Maximum Rent

Efficiency

$1,900

1 br

$2,030

2 br

$2,430

3 br

$2,850

4 br

$3,250

*Household income amounts listed in this table are effective as of 08/30/2024 and are subject to change. Please visit the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) website for the most up-to-date numbers. Buildings meeting the above income amounts will remain eligible for assistance even if DHCD's income amount guidelines decrease during FY 2025.

Selection Criteria

Projects that achieve more energy savings with fewer dollars spent will receive preference. Savings will be calculated based on the price per MWh or MMBtu of energy saved.

Projects that have more matching funds secured towards the total cost of the upgrades will receive preference.

Projects submitted by contractors that are registered Certified Business Enterprises / (CBEs) / Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) will be given preference. All contractors must be under contract with the DCSEU to qualify for funding.

Customers and contractors who submit their project applications on or before July 1, 2024, will receive preference.

Projects that impact the greatest number of low-income District residents will receive preference.

Project applications must be fully completed and signed by both the contractor and property owner. All measures listed in the data intake form must match what is listed in the application.

Program Timeline

June 3rd, 2024

FY 2025 (Lighting & Electrical HVAC) open for applications.

June 12th, 2024

Info Session #1.

July 1st, 2024

Early bird applications for priority assessment due to DCSEU.

July 26th, 2024

All applications are due to DCSEU.

September 6th, 2024

Application decisions announced (pending virtual remote pre-inspections & analysis review).

November 1st, 2024

Incentive Agreements and Work Orders issued.

March 28th, 2025

All measures must be installed and final invoices are due to the DCSEU.

A view from atop a multifamily building maintenance roof with many air conditioner compressors in the foreground.

How to Apply

Property owners must complete the application process to be considered for the Income Qualified Efficiency Fund. This includes completing an IQEF application as well as working with a DCSEU-approved contractor to provide information about currently installed and proposed equipment through the data intake tool.

Submit both to [email protected] before the specified deadline above. If you are new to the program, follow the guidance below before submitting your application.

DCSEU approved and new contractors:

  1. All new contractors and contractors without current contracts with the DCSEU must submit a response to the IQEF Scope of Work in the DCSEU Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to become a contractor for the IQEF program.

Property owners, managers, and developers:

  1. Request a property walkthrough and project review with a DCSEU-approved contractor. In your request, please provide the name and address of the property, number of units on the property, a project point of contact, and low-income verification documents like a rent roll, tax credit letter, or covenant letter.
  2. The DCSEU will schedule an approved contractor to perform a site visit for your project. Property owners and managers may get proposals from multiple approved contractors and submit a completed application with the contractor of their choice.

Impact Stories & Resources

Hear how owners and managers of affordable multifamily buildings, clinics, and shelters serving DC residents have been able to upgrade and save, unpacking this opportunity with our program resources:

“

Hear from a Property Owner/Manager

We've been able to do things in this building that we would have never been able to do. We have an environment that's working for the patients and for the staff. It's just tremendous.

- Michael Skaist

Administrator, Capitol City Rehabilitation & Health Care Center

Find a Contractor

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