New “Reduce Energy Use DC” Initiative to Help District Residents Save Energy, Money, and Fight Climate Change

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to impact the District of Columbia, residents are working together to stay at home for our collective safety and, as a result, are on-average using more electricity to power work, school and their daily lives. This increased energy usage may not only be impacting bills, but also contributing to climate change.

As part of a united effort, environmental, business, community groups and the District's leadership have come together to launch a new initiative, "Reduce Energy Use DC," to educate DC residents on ways they can use energy more efficiently, take steps to reduce energy use at home, and save money while helping fight climate change. The new initiative will ask residents to take a pledge and provides those who sign up with tips on easy ways to save and lower their energy bill.

“We continue to be grateful to all residents who are saving lives by staying home, and we know that part of that sacrifice is a potentially higher energy bill,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “That’s why we’re working to share ways residents can use energy more efficiently. Together, let’s take the Reduce Energy Use DC pledge to save money while helping the environment.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on our lives in the District of Columbia, and across the region and our nation,” said Donna Cooper, Pepco Region President. “Those who can are staying at home for our collective safety and we may be using more energy to power our daily activities. Through the Reduce Energy Use DC pledge, we can all learn simple steps to reduce our energy use and save money. Working together, we can continue to make a difference for our families, our communities and our planet.”

All District residents can take the Reduce Energy Use DC pledge. Participants will be entered into one of more than 25 random drawings beginning in May for a chance to win a $300 credit on their energy bill. Winners will be selected across multiple categories, including by Ward, senior residents, and those customers who are part of the Residential Aid Discount program, among others. If the selected winner is not a Pepco customer, they can assign the $300 credit to a relative or friend or donate the funds to a nonprofit of their choice through the Pepco Gift of Energy program.

“The Reduce Energy Use DC pledge aligns with Mayor Muriel Bowser’s mission for our agency to serve as a resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, products and services,” said Tommy Wells, Director of the District’s Department of Energy & Environment. “Especially, during this Public Health Emergency, we are committed to providing residents with tips and resources that can help reduce their energy bills and save money. At the same time we are staying home for the benefit of our community; our actions can also benefit the environment.”

During July 2019, one of the hottest years on record, Pepco customers in the District consumed more than 1.1 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, equivalent to the emissions of more than 170,000 cars on the road for a year. By acting collectively, individuals can help the District meet its climate change goals and make a difference in their daily lives.

District residents can sign up now and take the pledge by visiting ReduceEnergyUseDC.com, texting “SaveMore” to 52886 or calling 202-872-2020 or toll-free 855-673-3823. Random drawings will begin in May. The pledge period closes July 7, 2020.  Once closed, Pepco customers in the District will continue to receive energy-savings tips through Weekly Energy Usage Reports that compare individual energy usage to the prior week’s consumption. Additional tips will be shared through social media and at ReduceEnergyUseDC.com. The initiative will run through August 2020.

For more information about the pledge and tips on how to reduce energy use, visit ReduceEnergyUseDC.com.

For resources and additional information about the District Government’s response to COVID-19, please visit coronavirus.dc.gov.