EED

#EEDay 2018: Saving Money by Being Energy Efficient

There’s a saying that the cleanest and cheapest energy is the energy we don’t use. Residents and businesses get that, and our region excels when it comes to avoiding energy waste.

Ahead of Energy Efficiency Day tomorrow (Oct. 5), we are happy to report that last year, our customers who took advantage of our energy efficiency programs saved more than $115 million by conserving approximately 480 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity. That’s the equivalent to eliminating pollution from 76,500 cars by taking them off the road for a year.

As a region, we should all be proud of our success in conserving energy. While we’ve done an excellent job cutting energy waste, there’s more we can do. Here are some resources to help you take your energy efficiency efforts to the next level.

One-Stop-Shop for Savings

If you are in the market for a new energy-efficient washer, dryer, refrigerator, lights, water heater, TV or dishwasher, first visit SDG&E’s Marketplace – a one-stop-shop to:

  • Learn about the energy efficiency ratings for a wide variety of electronics and appliances
  • Compare pricing from multiple retailers
  • Check for rebates and submit claims

Instant Rebates

We offer instant rebates for in-store or online purchases of smart thermostats. With a smart thermostat, like the Nest or ecobee, users can remotely turn down the A/C during the day while they are at work and turn it back up before they get home – all through an app on their phone. Right now you can get a $75 rebate from SDG&E when you purchase a new smart thermostat.

Financing Options for Home or Business

Did you know that we offer financing programs for both residential and commercial customers to help the make energy efficiency upgrades that result in lasting savings?

Business can take advantage of our on-bill financing program to finance efficiency projects over time. Through this program, a business may qualify for loans to implement eligible measures and upgrades, then repay in monthly installments through your utility bill, with no interest or fees. 

Single-family homeowners wanting to increase their home’s efficiency while reducing costs may qualify for the Residential Energy Efficiency Loan (REEL) program. The program offers financing options to help you complete energy efficiency upgrades to heating and cooling systems, windows, water heaters, insulation, lighting and appliances.

Through our Energy Savings Assistance program, income-eligible households can receive low- or no-cost products and installation for attic insulation, lighting, weather-stripping, replacing appliances, low-flow showerheads and other projects to improve your home’s energy efficiency.

How You Can Participate in Energy Efficiency Day

On the Energy Efficiency Day website, you can find ten simple tips to reduce energy waste at home and at work to lower your energy bills. Everyone can help create a more sustainable future by practicing smart energy use in their daily lives.