SDG&E and Renewable Energy: Partners in California’s Future

SDG&E and Renewable Energy: Partners in California’s Future

There are many ways in which San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) delivers on its commitment to better the communities served by the energy company. Connecting customers to information about how they use energy to give them control over their energy bill is one example of how SDG&E is more than an energy company. Another is by leading the way in achieving California’s clean energy goals.

SDG&E has developed tools, innovative technologies and resources to help people integrate renewable energy into their lives. The company’s future focus is to balance our clean energy goals with providing customers with more choices and affordable energy.

Five ways SDG&E is leading in clean energy NOW

  1. Investing in universal solar and wind power: SDG&E was the first, and is currently the only, investor-owned energy company to source 33 percent of its energy from renewable resources—well ahead of California’s mandate. And SDG&E isn’t stopping there. The energy company is on track to deliver more than 40 percent clean renewable energy by 2018, and 50 percent by 2030.
  2. Fastest private solar connection in the state: To connect customers’ private rooftop solar systems to the grid quickly, SDG&E developed an online application that makes the interconnection process fast and convenient for new solar adopters. On average, it only takes four to five days to connect a private solar system to the power grid—the fastest approval time in the state. Customers also have the option to choose SDG&E’s “Fast Track” process, which allows customers to power on their private solar systems the same day city or county approval is received.
  3. Innovative customer solutions: SDG&E goes above-and-beyond to find solutions for our customers. In 2015, one of these solutions—the Renewable Meter Adapter—was introduced to customers as a means to bypass electric panel upgrades often needed to install private solar systems. Nearly 3,000 Renewable Meter Adapters have been installed to date, collectively saving SDG&E customers more than $3,000,000 in construction costs.
  4. Clean energy choices for customers: In late 2016, SDG&E will introduce a new billing option for customers looking to do more to personally invest in a clean energy future. With the new option, called SunRate®, SDG&E customers can sign up to pay for up to 100 percent clean renewable energy.
  5. Powering electric drive: Earlier this year, SDG&E received approval to launch Power Your Drive, a pilot program authorizing SDG&E to install 3,500 electric vehicle charging stations at businesses and multi-family residences and disadvantaged communities throughout San Diego and southern Orange counties. The initiative is expected to reduce greenhouse gas pollutants by expanding the necessary infrastructure for increasing the use of zero-emission vehicles. 

Through these efforts, and more, SDG&E is working to improve the lives of the people it serves.