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SDG&E offers tips to save energy and money during hot weather

SAN DIEGO – With hot summer weather arriving in San Diego this week, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is offering tips for residential and business customers to save energy and money now and throughout the summer.

Increased energy use causes higher bills. Air-conditioning use typically increases when temperatures go up, and coupled with the rising cost of energy, some customers may see an increase in their upcoming utility bills. SDG&E offers a variety of tips, resources and solutions to help both residential and business customers find smart ways to reduce their energy use now to avoid being surprised by high bills.

SDG&E customers can take advantage of several tools and programs to help gain control of their energy use and find the best ways to save. With smart technology, customers no longer have to wait for their bill each month to find out how much energy they’re using. Instead, customers today can take an active role in reducing their use through the following options:

Energy-saving tips for residential customers:

• Adjust the thermostat if possible to 78°F for summer A/C.

• Use fans. Use a ceiling or portable fan instead of A/C.

• Power down equipment and use smart strips. Unplug items when not in use or use a smart power strip.

• Switch off and replace. Turn lights off when leaving a room and replace regular bulbs with compact fluorescent or LEDs.

• Seal and insulate homes to keep the cool air in during summer.

• Lower the water temperature or try a cold water wash with clothes, especially if using an electric water heater.

• Change out a single speed pool pump to a variable speed one. SDG&E offers a $200 rebate on select models.

• Monitor energy usage. Go to My Account to check out the Energy Management Tool and sign up for energy alerts to receive email or text alerts when one’s energy use or spending goal reaches a certain limit.

Energy-saving tips for business customers:

• Visit sdge.com/good4biz for expert help, personalized tools, financial incentives and billing options.

• Understanding where and how one’s business uses energy is the best way to learn the smartest ways to save. Contact SDG&E’s Energy Savings Center at (800) 644-6133 and ask for an energy assessment for a business.

• Sign up for My Account to get an at-a-glance view of one’s energy use with the energy management tool under the My Energy tab, where customers can:

• See an overview of their energy use;

• Get their current bill and a forecasted bill for the month;

• Review their hourly, weekly or monthly energy use;

• Take the My Energy Survey for an online energy use audit;

• Find out if they’re on the best rate schedule for their business.

• Smart thermostats help customers better monitor and manage energy use. With a programmable communicating thermostat, they can remotely control multiple devices across different sites from a smart phone or tablet. Qualifying businesses can receive these devices for free.

• Keep the doors closed – If using door closers, inspect and adjust them as needed. Close drapes, shades and blinds.

• Turn off equipment whenever possible.

• Make sure computers are turned off at the end of the day and when not in use.

• Time electricity use. If on a time-of–use-rate, manage electricity use to avoid on-peak time periods. Learn about rates available for business customers.

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs like CFLs or LEDs. Limit lighting during the day when possible.

Reduce Your Use days may be called on hot summer days when energy demand is high. This year, customers must sign up to receive Reduce Your Use email, text, or, new for 2014, voice alerts in order to participate and receive a bill credit.

Visit sdge.com/reduceuse for information on how to sign up for alerts.

Visit sdge.com/save-money for more information on ways to save money every day or call Energy Savings Center at (800) 644-6133 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to talk to an energy service specialist.

 

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