Income Qualified Efficiency Fund
Funding and contracting support to help affordable properties upgrade efficiently.
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.

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:
- HVAC upgrades, including heat pumps and heat pump water heaters, chillers. HVAC upgrades to heat pump technology that require electrification can be considered.
- Lighting controls, fixtures, and systems
Advanced thermostats
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
Sealing or insulation
ENERGY STAR certified appliances such as: refrigerators, dishwashers, heat pump dryers, and clothes washers
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

1. Income Guidelines for FY 2025*
(October 1, 2024 - September 20, 2025)
Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
---|---|
1 | $86,632 |
2 | $99,008 |
3 | $111,384 |
4 | $123,760 |
5 | $136,136 |
6 | $148,512 |
7 | $160,888 |
8 | $173,264 |
2. Rent Level Guidelines for FY 2025*
(October 1, 2024 - September 20, 2025)
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 January 31, 2025, 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 (Fiscal Year 2025 Part 2)
December 3rd, 2024
FY 2025 part two opens for applications.
January 9th, 2025
Info Session
January 31st, 2025
Early bird applications for priority assessment due to DCSEU.
February 14th, 2025
All applications are due to DCSEU.
April 14th, 2025
Application decisions announced (pending virtual remote pre-inspections & analysis review).
May 5th, 2025
Incentive Agreements and Work Orders issued.
August 29th, 2025
All measures must be installed and final invoices are due to the DCSEU.

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:
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
-
Customer Story
Capital Improvements at Capitol City
An improved environment for quality care.
Read more -
Customer Story
Paradise at Parkside: When Electrification Meets Affordable Communities
A model for energy-efficient living in Ward 7. Reduced bills, improved air quality, and sustainability with DCSEU initiatives.
Read more -
FY 2025 Income Qualified Info Session Pt. 2 Recording
Missed the FY2025 Income Qualified Efficiency Fund (IQEF) Info Session? The recording is now available! Learn how contractors and affordable property owners can apply for DCSEU incentives to support energy-efficient upgrades for multifamily properties, shelters, and clinics serving low- to moderate-income residents
Read more
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 SkaistAdministrator, Capitol City Rehabilitation & Health Care Center
Find a Contractor
Of course, a local, DCSEU-authorized solar installer will need to assess whether your home’s roof, exposure, and orientation are a practical fit for solar panels.