THE LEAFLET

At Casey Trees, we know that trees do more than beautify our streets—they provide essential environmental benefits, including energy savings. That’s why we’re excited to highlight the work of the District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU), a utility designed to help DC residents reduce energy consumption and save money while creating a greener, healthier city.

Strategically planted trees provide natural cooling and insulation for homes, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning in the summer and blocking cold winds in the winter. Shade from trees can lower surrounding air temperatures by up to 9°F, significantly cutting energy costs. The DCSEU offers multiple programs that complement the benefits of trees, ensuring that DC residents can save energy in sustainable ways.

The DCSEU’s Affordable Home Electrification Program (AHEP) helps residents transition from natural gas to electric heating, cooling, water heating, and cooking systems. This shift reduces emissions, improves indoor air quality, and, when combined with energy-saving strategies like planting trees, can significantly lower energy costs.

Program Benefits Include:

• Upgrade Efficiently: Electrifying your home reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and by installing some of the most efficient electric technology available, you’re reducing energy use, too.
• Healthier Indoor Air: By eliminating combustion-based heating and cooking systems, residents experience improved air quality inside their homes.
• Environmental Impact: Pairing electrification with tree planting helps sequester carbon, reduce heat island effects, and create a more resilient cityscape.

“At the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU), we recognize that a holistic approach to energy and environmental solutions must include the vital role of trees in our urban landscape. While our primary focus is on making energy efficiency and clean energy more accessible to residents and businesses in the District, we understand that trees are natural allies in our mission for a more sustainable future. 

Trees offer numerous benefits that align with our goals of reducing energy consumption and promoting environmental preservation. They provide shade, which helps decrease summer temperatures as well as the energy needed for cooling buildings. Additionally, trees act as nature’s air purifiers, improving air quality and sequestering carbon, which supports our broader environmental objective to reduce emissions.

As we continue to offer programs and services to help our customers make energy-efficient choices and decarbonize, we also encourage District residents and businesses to consider the value of trees in their overall energy-saving strategies. By working together with organizations like Casey Trees and embracing a comprehensive approach that includes both energy solutions and natural resources, we can create a more resilient, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly future for all who call DC home.” 

-The DCSEU Team 

Interested in making your home more energy-efficient while supporting a greener DC? Visit the DCSEU website to explore AHEP and start your journey toward clean, efficient energy. And don’t forget—Casey Trees is here to help you plant and care for trees that enhance your home’s energy efficiency.

See below for more information on DCSEU’s programs. Together, we can build a more energy-smart and tree-filled District!

A cleaner, smarter way to power your home? It’s electric.

Preparing to electrify your home? There are two pathways the DCSEU offers DC residents to slash costs and emissions with access to energy-efficient electric heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, heat pump dryers, and induction stoves. Check them out below or take the Find a Program Quiz to start on your journey to energy savings.

Residential energy and electrification rebates 

Take advantage of new electrification rebates designed to help single-family and condo/co-op-unit owners, regardless of income. Save up to $15,000 by upgrading your whole home and switching from gas and oil equipment to efficient electric equipment. Plus, if your electric panel needs an upgrade to accommodate your new equipment, utilize service rebates for panel upgrades (heavy-ups) or extra circuits to get you ready to go.

Have old electric equipment? Check for rebate-eligible equipment on the DCSEU site before you buy. Then work with a licensed contractor to get permitted, gather the right documentation, and apply for your rebate with confidence. Don’t forget, DCSEU has rebates for all types of energy-efficient electric appliances and lawn care equipment.

Need more assistance to electrify? Try the Affordable Home Electrification Program (AHEP).

The AHEP is here to help income-qualified DC residents make the switch from gas and oil equipment to efficient electric home heating, water heating, and cooking systems — all at zero cost to residents. Yes, that means free! Income-qualified DC residents who rent or own a single-family home (four units or fewer) with existing gas/oil equipment qualify. When applying for AHEP, you can also income-qualify for Solar for All in one step. It’s easier than ever to take advantage of all the DCSEU’s no-cost energy and electrification programs for residents.