DCSEU has collaborated with Metro on multiple energy-efficiency lighting and chiller projects since 2011; DCSEU’s work has helped the transit authority save 60,025 MWh in lifetime energy usage
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC, April 23, 2019 – On Tuesday, the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) applauded the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) on the release of its first Energy Action Plan and pledged to continue its partnership with the transit authority to help it use less energy, save money, and better the environment.
The DCSEU has collaborated with Metro since 2011 on multiple energy efficiency projects, including lighting upgrades and chiller replacements throughout the Metro system. By providing resources such as technical assistance, labor, equipment, and engineering expertise to Metro, the DCSEU has helped the transit authority save 60,025 MWh in lifetime energy usage. That is equivalent to preventing the CO2 emissions from burning 46 million pounds of coal.
"As one of the largest energy users in the region, Metro’s Energy Action Plan is a vital step towards helping DC meet its clean energy goals," said Ted Trabue, Director of the DCSEU. "We are proud to continue our energy efficiency work with WMATA in pursuit of making the transit authority more cost effective and environmentally friendly."
One of the largest projects that the DCSEU has worked on with Metro is a complete lighting retrofit at the Shepherd Parkway Metrobus Division in 2017. The facility, which services more than 250 buses, is expected to save 1,155 MWh annually through LED lighting. That is about $73,000 a year in energy savings.
"DCSEU has been a valuable partner for Metro," said Metro General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. "Metro is currently working with DCSEU to upgrade all facilities located in the District to energy efficient LED lighting – a critical part of our Energy Action Plan that will reduce energy and maintenance costs, while improving safety for customers and employees."
The DCSEU has also supported Metro’s sustainability efforts through the organization’s Workforce Development Program, which prepares DC residents for green jobs. Four DCSEU externs have supported WMATA’s energy efficiency projects through site surveys, data analysis and technical support. A previous extern now works for WMATA with the Office of Sustainability and continues to serve as a liaison between WMATA and the DCSEU.
The Energy Action Plan is estimated to provide WMATA with up to $16 million in annual energy cost savings and is expected to be fully implemented by 2025. To learn more, visit wmata.com/sustainability.
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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.
Press Contact: Karen Blyton
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