Washington DC Energy Incentives Overview
Washington DC offers one of the most layered clean energy incentive programs in the US — a combination of federal IRA funding, DC government programs, and utility rebates. DC's incentive stack is administered through the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU), which together manage multiple programs targeting different income levels and project types.
DC's sole electric utility is Pepco (Potomac Electric Power Company), regulated by the DC Public Service Commission. Gas service is provided by Washington Gas. Both utilities run rebate programs that stack with DOEE and DCSEU programs for DC residents.
✓ DC HEAR — How to Apply
Contact DC DOEE at doee.dc.gov or call 202-535-2600. Use a registered HEAR contractor. Rebate paid directly to contractor at completion. Income verification required.
✓ DCSEU Programs — All Income Levels
DCSEU programs are open to all DC residents regardless of income. Visit dcseu.com or call 202-479-2222 for the full program list including Solar for All.
DC Solar for All — Free Solar for Low-Income Residents
DC Solar for All is one of the most generous solar programs in the country. Administered by DCSEU with DC Department of Energy and Environment funding, it provides free rooftop solar installations or community solar bill credits to DC households below 80% AMI. Participants typically see their electricity bills reduced by 50% or more.
Who qualifies
Below 80% AMI · DC resident · Pepco customer
What you get
Free rooftop solar OR community solar bill credit
How to apply
dcseu.com/solar-for-all · 202-479-2222
Pepco Rebates for DC Residents
Pepco is DC's only electric utility. All DC residential electric customers are Pepco customers and can access these rebates.
| Measure | Pepco Rebate | Notes |
|---|
| Cold Climate Heat Pump | Up to $700 | 16+ SEER2, 9.1+ HSPF2 required |
| Standard Heat Pump | Up to $300 | ENERGY STAR certified |
| Ductless Mini-Split | Up to $500 | Single or multi-zone systems |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Up to $400 | ENERGY STAR, 50 gal+ |
| Smart Thermostat | Up to $100 | Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell qualifying models |
| Home Energy Assessment | Free | Required for some rebate tiers |
Verify current amounts at pepco.com before purchasing. Pepco rebates stack with DC HEAR and 25C tax credit.
All 11 DC Programs (2026–2027)
Data sourced from Rewiring America API · Verified July 2026 · Confirm at doee.dc.gov, dcseu.com, and pepco.com
| Program | Applies To | Benefit | Income |
|---|
DC HEAR — Heat Pump (Enhanced) DC DOEE · Rebate View Official Program → | Heat pump (ducted or ductless) | Up to $8,000 | Below 80% AMI |
DC HEAR — Heat Pump (Standard) DC DOEE · Rebate | Heat pump (ducted or ductless) | Up to $4,000 | 80–150% AMI |
DC HEAR — Heat Pump Water Heater DC DOEE · Rebate | Heat pump water heater | Up to $1,750 | Below 150% AMI |
DC HEAR — Insulation & Air Sealing DC DOEE · Rebate | Insulation, air sealing | Up to $1,600 | Below 150% AMI |
DC HEAR — Electric Panel Upgrade DC DOEE · Rebate | Electrical panel upgrade (100A→200A) | Up to $4,000 | Below 150% AMI |
DCSEU — Efficient Home Rebate DC Sustainable Energy Utility · Rebate View Official Program → | Heat pump, insulation, smart thermostat | Up to $1,000 | All income levels |
DC Solar for All DCSEU · Program View Official Program → | Solar panels or community solar | Free solar / bill credit | Below 80% AMI |
Pepco — Heat Pump Rebate Pepco · Rebate View Official Program → | Heat pump (qualifying efficiency) | Up to $700 | Pepco electric customers |
Washington Gas — Efficiency Rebate Washington Gas · Rebate View Official Program → | High-efficiency furnace, boiler, thermostat | Varies by measure | Washington Gas customers |
Federal 25C — Heat Pump Tax Credit IRS (Form 5695) · Tax Credit View Official Program → | Heat pump (all types) | 30%, up to $2,000/yr | No income limit |
Federal 25D — Solar Tax Credit IRS (Form 5695) · Tax Credit | Solar panels + battery storage | 30% (no cap) | No income limit |
FAQ — Washington DC Energy Rebates
Do DC renters qualify for HEAR rebates?
Yes — DC renters in single-family homes and qualifying multifamily buildings may apply for HEAR rebates, with landlord permission. DC has a high renter population, and DOEE has specific outreach programs for renters and multifamily properties. DC renters cannot claim the federal 25C tax credit (which requires homeownership), but HEAR rebates and DCSEU programs are available.
What is DCSEU and how is it different from DOEE?
DCSEU (DC Sustainable Energy Utility) is a quasi-independent organization contracted by the DC government to run energy efficiency and renewable energy programs for all DC residents and businesses — regardless of income. DOEE (Department of Energy and Environment) administers income-targeted programs including HEAR. Both programs can be combined: an income-qualified DC resident can access both DOEE HEAR rebates and DCSEU rebates on the same project.
Does DC have good net metering for solar?
Yes — DC has strong net metering regulated by the DC Public Service Commission. Pepco credits excess solar generation at the full retail electricity rate. DC also has a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that creates demand for SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates), which DC solar owners can sell for additional income. DC consistently ranks among the top 10 states for solar incentives despite being a small jurisdiction.
Can I combine DC HEAR + DCSEU + Pepco + 25C on the same project?
Yes — all four programs are separate and can be stacked as long as total incentives don't exceed project cost. Example for an income-qualified DC resident installing a heat pump: DC HEAR $8,000 + DCSEU $1,000 + Pepco $700 + federal 25C $2,000 = $11,700 in potential combined savings. Confirm with each program administrator before starting.
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More Energy Rebate Guides
This guide is for educational purposes only. Program details change frequently. Always verify with doee.dc.gov, dcseu.com, pepco.com, and IRS.gov before starting a project. Data sourced from Rewiring America API, verified July 2026.