New Income Qualified Efficiency Fund incentivizes implementation work with local companies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC, January 22 2018 – The DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) is proud to announce that it will invest $2 million in competitive and innovative projects that improve energy efficiency in low-income communities. With the Income Qualified Efficiency Fund, the DCSEU will provide incentives for energy efficiency upgrades – both gas and electric – in affordable housing or institutions that serve vulnerable populations, such as clinics and shelters, in the District. To implement the projects, the DCSEU will focus on working with local contractors, especially District-based Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) registered with the District Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD).
“The DCSEU’s mission is to reduce the energy burden on vulnerable residents and improve the energy efficiency of the District while making a positive impact on the local economy. The Income Qualified Efficiency Fund does exactly that,” said Ted Trabue, Managing Director of the DCSEU.
Helping institutions that serve income-qualified residents achieve operational savings through improved efficiency means that organizations can dedicate money saved from lower utility bills towards other causes that matter the most to them. Improved energy efficiency often contributes to increased comfort for residents and benefits the environment through reduced carbon emissions.
“The District of Columbia Housing Authority has worked with the DCSEU over the past five years to install energy efficient appliances, boilers, and other improvements at our properties to create healthier and more sustainable communities. These efficiencies have resulted in millions of lifetime energy cost savings that help DCHA leverage its limited capital funding,” said DCHA Executive Director Tyrone Garrett. “With this new program from the DCSEU, DCHA looks forward to building upon our existing relationship to find new, innovative projects that will further assist our properties and support our customers on their paths to success.”
Projects implemented by District-based CBEs will receive preference as the goal of the Income Qualified Efficiency Fund is also to help District businesses grow and gain experience in the field of energy efficiency, which is becoming more and more important as DC seeks to become more sustainable.
The $2 million will be awarded through a competitive bidding process across multiple projects. The selection criteria are annual energy savings per dollar of investment, the matching funds acquired, the scale of innovation, and the number of vulnerable District residents assisted. The DCSEU is encouraging CBEs with creative project ideas as well as developers and property managers who are willing to work with DCSEU-approved contractors to apply.
The DCSEU is partnering with DSLBD to drive participation in the CBE community. DSLBD emphasizes the positive impact of the program: “We are thrilled to partner with the DCSEU on the Income Qualified Efficiency Fund,” said Kristi Whitfield, Director of DSLBD. “We are not only connecting small businesses with tangible opportunities but also supporting the Sustainable DC goals set by the Mayor to make the District a model of innovative policies and practices that improve quality of life and economic opportunity.”
In order to guide interested contractors through the process, the DCSEU will offer an information session on January 25. Please visit www.dcseu.com/IQEF for more information.
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About the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU)
The District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) helps DC residents and businesses use less energy and save money. Since 2011, as a contractor to the District Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE), 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. For more information, visit www.dcseu.com.
Media Contacts:
Lee Beck
PR Project Manager, DCSEU
202-515-1062