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DC Sustainable Energy Utility Announces New Managing Director

(Washington, DC) – The DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) has hired a new Managing Director. Ernest Jolly will lead the organization’s vision and strategy to support the achievement of the DCSEU’s mission and performance benchmarks. Started in 2011 as a result of the Clean and Affordable Energy Act, the DCSEU is one of the ways the District is driving towards achieving its clean energy and climate goals.  

“The District’s Sustainable Energy Utility is such a unique program, combining energy, environmental, and social equity goals, and has brought tremendous benefits to the District over the last decade,” said Jolly. “I am incredibly excited to lead the DCSEU as its Managing Director and advance its mission to fulfill DC’s clean energy and climate goals through community-centered initiatives that foster equity and deliver lasting value.”

Ernest Jolly, providing remarks at an event in front of solar panels.

Mr. Jolly has more than 30 years of leadership expertise in public and private utilities, higher education, nonprofits, and Naval service. Prior to coming to the DCSEU, he worked for DC Water for 14 years, most recently as its Energy Chief. At DC Water he was responsible for formulating and implementing energy management strategies for process and equipment improvements and served as a technical energy adviser to determine the most effective energy strategies for programs and facilities. From 2002-2007, he served as Executive Vice President at the University of the District of Columbia, where he led development of the university’s Five-Year Strategic Plan and the Campus Facilities Master Plan. He recently served as President of the Maryland/District of Columbia Utilities Association and remains a board member. 

The DCSEU is implemented by VEIC, a nonprofit, which has led the organization since 2011 under a performance contract to the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). Since that time, the DCSEU has delivered more than $1.4 billion in lifetime cost savings, prevented more than 7 million metric tons of lifetime greenhouse gas emissions, and delivered the benefits of clean energy to thousands of low- and moderate-income DC residents through energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. 

“Mr. Jolly brings a wealth of leadership in the energy and utility industry, and he will be a huge asset to the DCSEU,” said Rebecca Foster, Chief Executive Officer of VEIC. “VEIC’s mission is to generate the energy solutions the world needs, and I can’t think of a better person to lead the DCSEU into the future and to support the District in achieving its clean energy and climate goals.” 

Mr. Jolly will begin as the DCSEU’s Managing Director on January 3, 2023. 

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 DOEE, the DCSEU has delivered financial incentives, technical assistance, and information to tens of thousands of District residents and businesses, helping them save more than $1.4 billion in lifetime energy costs. Its work is building a brighter economic, environmental, and energy future for the District. The DCSEU currently operates the Solar for All program under contract to DOEE. For more information, visit dcseu.com.