On The Second Annual Energy Efficiency Day the DC Sustainable Energy Utility Urges DC Residents and Businesses to “Save Energy. Save Money. Lightbulb for Lightbulb.”
Washington, D.C. – October 5, 2017 – Today, the District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) is celebrating the second annual Energy Efficiency Day and is joining regional and national organizations, businesses, utilities, and individuals working to promote energy efficiency. “Energy efficiency saves residents money, cuts carbon emissions and is the most cost-effective way to reduce the District’s energy demand. We are fortunate to have a Mayor, a Council, and an agency like DOEE who have made it a priority,” says Ted Trabue, Managing Director of the DCSEU.
Washington, D.C. faces a particular energy struggle. Since 2010, about 900 people have moved to the city every month – with population growth surging, energy demand is on the rise. Nearby states generate most of DC’s electricity using predominantly fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. “As we work to make the District the healthiest, greenest, and most livable city in the country, energy efficiency has an important role to play,” said Tommy Wells, Director of DC’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). “That’s why we have tasked the DCSEU with implementing programs to reduce energy consumption and costs for District residents and businesses.” In honor of Energy Efficiency Day, the DCSEU offers the following tips to help District residents and businesses save energy and money.
Five Ways to Save Energy on Energy Efficiency Day
- Not all Bulbs are Created Equal: You can save more than $65-$100 per year in energy costs just by replacing the bulbs in your home's five most frequently-used light fixtures with ENERGY STAR® LED models. Ready to make the switch? The DCSEU partners with local retailers throughout the District to offer discounted energy-efficient LEDs for as low as 95 cents, making it easy and affordable to choose the bulb that meets your needs. Find a participating LED retailer.
- Seal Leaks: You can save up to 20 percent on heating costs by caulking windows, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors.
- Heat Efficiently: Don’t waste money heating or cooling an empty house. Install a smart thermostat, which can automatically adjust your home’s heat to lower when you are away or asleep, and increase it when you are returning home or after you wake up.
- Maintain your HVAC System: Clean or change your furnace filters regularly. A dirty furnace filter will slow down air flow, making the system work harder costing you more money.
- Look for the ENERGY STAR Label: Available across more than 70 product categories, the ENERGY STAR label makes it easy to find products that have been independently certified to use less energy. The average household, for example, saves almost $500 annually from efficiency standards for appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators and water heaters. Save even more with the DCSEU’s residential product rebates.
###
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 Contact: Lee Beck, PR Project Manager, [email protected], 202-515-1062