District of Columbia recognized for its performance in Building Codes, Data Access, and Low-Income Programs
Washington, D.C. – September 29, 2017 – The District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) congratulates the District of Columbia for being the #13 most energy-efficient state in the 2017 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard published by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Up from #15 in 2016 and #21 in 2014, DC has not only demonstrated continuous progress in improving its energy efficiency programs, but is also listed among the most-improved states since the 2016 rankings. The DCSEU, as a contractor to the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), implements the customer energy efficiency programs in Washington, D.C.
The 2017 ACEEE State Scorecard assesses state policies and programs that improve energy efficiency in people’s homes, businesses, industries, and transportation systems. It examines six categories in total. This year the report’s methodology was updated to give consideration to policies and energy efficiency programs that serve low-income communities. “We are proud to live and work in the District where the City Administration really emphasizes innovation in sustainability, but also strongly cares about reducing the energy burden on our low-income communities,” says Ted Trabue, Managing Director of the DCSEU.
An analysis of the report emphasizes the District’s excellence in the following areas:
- The District of Columbia not only received full credit for its low-income programs, but is also ranked 7th place for the highest amount spent on low-income energy efficiency programs per low-income resident. In the District, the DC Sustainable Energy Utility is tasked with implementing energy efficiency programs for low-income residents.
- The District of Columbia scored especially high in the category assessing Building Codes with a score of 7.5/8. Along with New York and Washington, the District was touted as leading by example through adapting and enforcing the latest building codes. For example, the District requires energy-efficient public buildings and fleets. It also benchmarks both public buildings as well as privately-owned and commercial ones. DC is among only three states requiring energy use disclosure upon sale or lease of a building.
- DC is among the leading and trending states in Data Access. Implemented by DOEE, the District was the first jurisdiction in the country to include a provision that mandates both electric and gas utilities to provide aggregated whole-building data upon request to a building owner. These data are then made available for download and through automated upload to ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager. Data are aggregated at the whole-building level for five or more accounts, to address any privacy concerns and simplify the process of benchmarking multitenant buildings.
The full ACEEE report is available at http://aceee.org/state-policy/scorecard.
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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, 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 Contact: Lee Beck, PR Project Manager, [email protected], 202-677-9053