Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility Launches Program to Save Energy in
Affordable Multifamily Housing

DOVER, DELAWARE, April 6, 2017 – The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (DESEU), in partnership with non-profit organizations New Ecology, Inc. and Elevate Energy, is launching the Energize Delaware Affordable Multifamily Housing Program today. The program will help multifamily building owners identify, plan, and implement energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades in existing buildings and new construction projects.  The program benefits include reduced energy use and utility costs for owners and tenants, healthier living environments for low-income residents, and expanding energy-savvy, green building practices throughout the Delaware economy.

“The DESEU is excited to launch this new program to deliver the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy more broadly in low- and moderate-income communities,” says the DESEU’s Executive Director, Tony DePrima. “We are thrilled to combine DESEU’s resources and our partners’ expertise to cut the utility bills of low- and moderate-income families and building owners while expanding Delaware’s clean energy economy.” 

The Affordable Multifamily Housing Program will provide technical assistance, financial incentives, and low interest loans to help owners plan and implement energy upgrades. Eligible properties must have 5 or more units, with households having incomes less than 80% of the Area Median Income. 

Applicants will be offered deeply-subsidized comprehensive energy assessments, financial incentives, and low-interest loans to improve building performance while reducing energy use. Where feasible, the program will support design and installation of renewable energy systems, such as solar PV, solar-thermal, or geo-thermal. Water-saving measures will also be eligible. 

“We look forward to helping Delawareans create a best-in-the-nation program to make affordable multifamily properties more efficient, durable, healthier, and climate-resilient”, observed Ed Connelly, President of New Ecology, Inc.

“The benefits of energy efficiency should reach everyone, particularly energy burdened low- and moderate-income families,” said Abigail Corso, Chief Program Officer for Elevate Energy. “We’ve preserved more than 30,000 affordable housing units across the nation, and we’re excited to bring energy savings to Delaware families, too.” 

Applications are available on the DESEU web site.   

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For more press information, contact Kate Bayard, Marketing and Communications Manager, Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility, kate.bayard@deseu.org.

About the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility:

The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (DESEU) is a unique non-profit organization offering a one-stop resource through its Energize Delaware initiative to help residents and businesses save money through clean energy and efficiency. The DESEU was created in 2007 by the state of Delaware to foster a sustainable energy future for the state. The DESEU model is the first of its kind to be established in the United States, and is being replicated in several other communities around the world. Learn more about the SEU and find an Energize Delaware program to fit your needs at: https://www.energizedelaware.org.

About New Ecology, Inc.:

Founded in 1999, New Ecology, Inc. (NEI) is an innovative, nationally-recognized non-profit, 
bringing sustainable development services to underserved communities. Our focus is providing energy efficiency and green building services to affordable housing, schools, and community facilities. We work with our clients to develop and implement practical, cost-effective ways to reduce energy and water use, improve indoor air quality and occupant health, and make buildings more durable and less costly to maintain. NEI is based in Boston, has offices in Connecticut, Maryland and Rhode Island, and works throughout the eastern U.S. To learn more about New Ecology, visit the website at http://www.newecology.org/.

About Elevate Energy:

Elevate Energy’s mission is to deliver smarter energy use for all. Elevate Energy designs and implements efficiency programs that lower costs, protect the environment, and ensure the benefits of energy efficiency reach those who need them most. To learn more about Elevate Energy, visit www.elevateenergy.org.