The District of Columbia's Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) administers the Business Energy Rebate Program. Rebates are available to businesses and institutions for the installation of energy-efficient equipment. The program is funded through the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund which is supported by a public benefits charge on utility bills. To be eligible for the program, participants must be a customer of Pepco Holdings, Inc and/or Washington Gas Light Co. 

Energy efficiency products eligible for rebate include lighting, heating, HVAC, motors, compressed air, refrigeration, food service and others. Rebate levels and technical specifications vary by the type of equipment installed. All projects must be pre-approved by DESEU to secure funding. Applications for the pre-approval of projects for the program year 2016 are being accepted until June 30, 2016 or until the funds are fully committed. All the projects applying for rebates must be completed by September 15, 2016. Rebates will be issued after completion of the project and after inspection by the DCSEU. Projects must involve a facility improvement that will lead to permanent reduction in electricity and/or natural gas use. Only new equipment qualifies under this program. Full lists of specifications, including application forms, are available on the program web site.

Any energy efficiency projects that are unique to the business or industry and are not listed under the standard rebate program can receive incentives through the custom program. The custom program provides rebates of $60 per MWh and $12 per MMBTU of projected savings. DCSEU will provide technical assistance and evaluate various options available for the customer. 

Following projects are not eligible for the rebates

• Fuel Switching (e.g. electric to gas or gas to electric)
• Changes in operational and/or maintenance practices
• On-site electricity generation
• Projects focused primarily on power-factor improvement
• Projects involve peak-shifting
• Renewable-energy projects

For more information on the program please call DCSEU Customer Support Specialists at 855-MY-DCSEU (855-693-2738) or visit the program website listed above.