SDG&E® RESIDENTIAL AND SMALL BUSINESS CONTENT PACKAGE | DECEMBER 2023
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This month’s topics: Holiday energy-saving tips, assistance programs, energy webinars, winter energy savings tips for businesses
Article: Energy-saving tips for the holidays
The holidays may mean an increase in energy use from festive lighting, baking and hosting friends and relatives at home. Here are some energy-saving tips you can use while still enjoying the holiday spirit:
1. Choose energy-efficient lighting: LEDs use up to 80% less energy, are brighter and safer because they are cooler than incandescent lights. They’re easier to install—up to twenty-four strings of LEDs can be connected end-to-end without overloading a wall socket. Plus, they last ten times longer and have no filaments or glass to break.
2. Set timers for decorations: Use timers for your holiday lights and decorations so they automatically turn off when it’s light outside. If you don’t have a timer, remember to unplug holiday lights when they’re not in use to prevent them from drawing power continuously.
3. Use candles: Instead of relying only on electric lights, use candles to create a warm and festive atmosphere. Be sure to extinguish them when you leave the room.
4. Cook efficiently: When preparing holiday meals, use energy-efficient cooking appliances like a microwave, slow cooker or convection oven. Match the size of your cookware to the size of the burner.
5. Consider natural decorations: Decorate with natural materials like pinecones, wreaths and branches for a festive and eco-friendly touch that don’t use energy.
6. Conserve heat in the kitchen: While cooking, keep lids on pots to retain heat. Also, use the oven light to check on food instead of opening the oven door often.
7. Efficient dishwashing: If you're hosting a gathering, wait until you have a full load before running the dishwasher. Use the dishwasher's energy-saving setting if available. You’ll save even more if you run your dishwasher before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m. when energy costs less.
8. Adjust your thermostat for gatherings: With more people in the house, the temperature naturally rises. Lower your thermostat a few degrees when hosting guests to save on heating costs.
9. Gift energy-efficient appliances: If you're looking for gift ideas, consider energy-efficient appliances or gadgets that promote sustainability like smart thermostats, LED light bulbs or programmable slow cookers. Choose sustainable and recyclable gift-wrapping options like reusable gift bags, extra fabric or recycled paper.
10. Holiday travel: If you're traveling for the holidays, adjust your thermostat to conserve energy while you're away. Unplug electronic devices and appliances that won't be in use.
By incorporating these energy-efficiency tips into your holiday preparations, you can enjoy a festive atmosphere while minimizing your energy use and helping to keep your energy costs in check. Get more energy-saving tips at sdge.com/MyEnergy.
Social posts: Energy-saving tips for the holidays
Use any of the tips in the above article, then add:
Visit sdge.com/MyEnergy for more holiday energy-savings tips. #sdge #SDGEassist
Images: Energy-saving tips for the holidays
ARTICLE: NEED HELP WITH YOUR ENERGY BILL?
The holidays can be an expensive time of the year. If you are having trouble paying your energy bill, you might be eligible for programs and services that can provide immediate financial assistance and help you avoid interruptions in your service. Flexible payment arrangements are also available to help you pay down past due balances. Learn more at sdge.com/Payment-Arrangements.
Check out these energy assistance programs:
v California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program: Save 30% or more every month on your bill. Find out if you qualify at sdge.com/CARE.
v Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program: If you don’t qualify for CARE and your household has 3 or more people, you may qualify for FERA. You could receive an 18% discount on your electric bill. Visit sdge.com/FERA to learn more.
v Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program: You may qualify to receive free energy-saving improvements for your home, like new appliances, lighting, insulation and more. Find details at sdge.com/ESA.
v Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): If you have outstanding bills and you are a CARE or FERA customer, you may be eligible for debt forgiveness. See if you qualify at sdge.com/AMP.
Even if you made a recent payment or set up a flexible payment plan with SDG&E, there may still be assistance programs available to help you. For a complete list of available offerings, visit sdge.com/assistance.
SOCIAL POSTS: NEED HELP WITH YOUR ENERGY BILL?
v If you’re behind on your energy bill, you may qualify for financial assistance. Learn more at sdge.com/assistance. #sdge #SDGEAssist
v The holidays can be an expensive time of the year – the last thing you need to worry about is your energy bill. Get help with your bill at sdge.com/assistance. #sdge #SDGEAssist
¿NECESITA AYUDA CON SU FACTURA DE ENERGÍA?
Usted puede calificar para un descuento en su factura o mejoras en el hogar. Los programas de asistencia de SDG&E ayudan a reducir su factura mensual de energía mientras mantiene su hogar cómodo.
v Programa de Tarifas Alternativas de Energía de California (CARE, por sus siglas en inglés): Ahorre un 30% o más cada mes en su factura. Averigüe si califica en sdge.com/CAREesp.
v Tarifa Eléctrica Familiar (FERA, por sus siglas en inglés): Si no califica para CARE y su hogar tiene 3 o más personas, puede calificar para FERA. Podría recibir un 18% de descuento en su factura de electricidad. Visite sdge.com/FERAesp para obtener más información.
v Programa de Asistencia para el Ahorro de Energía (ESA, por sus siglas en inglés): Puede calificar para recibir mejoras gratuitas para el ahorro de energía en su hogar, tales como electrodomésticos nuevos, iluminación, aislamiento y más. Encuentre los detalles en sdge.com/ESAesp.
v Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): Si tiene facturas pendientes y es participante en el programa de CARE o FERA, puede ser elegible para la condonación de deudas. Averigüe si califica en sdge.com/AMPesp.
Las aplicaciones en línea son fáciles, rápidas y convenientes. Para obtener más información, visite sdge.com/asistencia.
POSTAS SOCIALES: ¿NECESITA AYUDA CON SU FACTURA DE ENERGÍA?
v Si está atrasado en su factura de energía, puede calificar para asistencia financiera. Obtenga más información en sdge.com/asistencia. #sdge #SDGEAssist
v En este momento, las dificultades se encuentran en todas partes - lo último que necesita es preocuparse por su factura de energía. Obtenga ayuda con su factura ensdge.com/asistencia. #sdge #SDGEAssist
v SDG&E ofrece programas de asistencia para ayudarle con su factura mensual que puede incluir hasta un 30% de descuento. Descubra si califica en sdge.com/asistencia. #sdge #SDGEAssist
v Si alquile o es propietario, podría ser elegible para recibir mejoras de eficiencia energética en su hogar, sin costo, que pueden hacer que su hogar sea más cómodo y ayuden reducir su factura de energía. Descubra si califica en sdge.com/ESAesp. #sdge #SDGEAssist
IMAGES: NEED HELP WITH YOUR ENERGY BILL?
ARTICLE: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NO-COST TRAINING FROM ENERGY EXPERTS
Did you know that SDG&E provides webinars for business owners and trade professionals, so you can learn new skills at your own pace? And most are at no cost. You or your employees can learn about the latest in green building practices, technology and energy-saving solutions from industry experts. Certifications and continuing education units are available for many classes. Check out the class listing at sdge.com/EnergyClasses.
SOCIAL POSTS: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NO-COST TRAININGS FROM ENERGY EXPERTS
1. Did you know SDG&E provides energy education and training webinars at no cost? These on-demand webinars are offered at introductory, intermediate and advanced levels. See the webinar list at sdge.com/EnergyClasses. #sdge #SDGEassist
2. Learn the latest in green building design, operations, maintenance and technology at no-cost energy webinars led by industry experts. See the on-demand webinar list at sdge.com/EnergyClasses. #sdge #SDGEassist
3. Enroll in a no-cost, on-demand energy topic webinar. Energy education and training can give you and your employees the knowledge and skills that customers value. Check out the webinar list at sdge.com/EnergyClasses. #sdge #SDGEassist
imageS: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NO-COST TRAININGS FROM ENERGY EXPERTS
Article: WINTER ENERGY-SAVING TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Don’t let the cold sneak up on your energy bill this winter. SDG&E can help with energy-saving programs and tips to help keep your business’s energy costs low – and that can make a positive difference on your bottom line.
1. Lower the temperature. Your business can keep comfortable without cranking up the heat. Adjust your thermostat by a few degrees to help reduce your energy bill. Don’t completely turn off your heat overnight though – you’ll use more energy to heat up the building again in the morning.
2. Did you know ceiling fans help in the colder months too? Change the rotation of your fan blades to clockwise, which will pull warm air down and spread it throughout the room.
3. Open blinds and sunshades to allow sunlight to heat up the room, especially on south- or west-facing windows. Natural light can warm the space and reduce the need for lighting. When you need to turn on lights, save energy by using energy-efficient LED bulbs.
4. In work areas that get little use, like storage and conference rooms, install sensors so lights will automatically go off when employees are working elsewhere.
5. Make sure cold air isn’t drifting into your building by checking weather stripping on your doors and caulking on your windows and other areas that outside air can seep inside. This is especially important in older buildings. You can also put clear, inexpensive plastic sheeting on your windows to add more insulation and reduce cold drafts.
6. Get a tune-up on your heater to ensure your system is operating efficiently. New, clean air filters can improve airflow and heating.
7. Make sure your heating air intake and outlet grilles are not blocked by furniture or paper. Obstructed grilles put more of a burden on the system’s fans to move heated air through an office. Also, check your ductwork for air leaks or any damage to insulation.
8. Check your HVAC filters monthly and clean it or replace it if it’s dirty. Keeping your HVAC system properly maintained can help save on heating costs.
9. Check if a door provides good insulation by placing your hand against it from the inside. If it feels cooler than the inside walls, it might be time to install a door that's better insulated.
Visit sdge.com/Business-Winter for more helpful energy-saving tips.
Social Posts: WINTER ENERGY-SAVING TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
1. Check your HVAC filters monthly and clean it or replace it if it’s dirty. Keeping your HVAC system properly maintained can help save on heating costs. Visit sdge.com/Business-Winter for more helpful energy-saving tips. #sdge #SDGEassist
2. Did you know ceiling fans help in the colder months too? Change the rotation of your fan blades to clockwise, which will pull warm air down and spread it throughout the room. Visit sdge.com/Business-Winterfor more helpful energy-saving tips. #sdge #SDGEassist
3. Lower your office’s temperature. Your business can keep comfortable without cranking up the heat. Adjust your thermostat by a few degrees to help reduce your energy bill. Don’t completely turn off your heat overnight though – you’ll use more energy to heat up the building again in the morning. Visit sdge.com/Business-Winterfor more helpful energy-saving tips. #sdge #SDGEassist
4. Open blinds and sunshades to allow sunlight to heat up the room, especially on south- or west-facing windows. Natural light can warm the space and reduce the need for lighting. When you need to turn on lights, save energy by using energy-efficient LED bulbs. Visit sdge.com/Business-Winterfor more helpful energy-saving tips. #sdge #SDGEassist
5. Is your business looking for ways to save energy during the colder months? Visit sdge.com/Business-Winterfor helpful energy-saving tips. #sdge #SDGEassist
6. Make sure cold air isn’t drifting into your building by checking weather stripping on your doors and caulking on your windows and other areas that outside air can seep inside. This is especially important in older buildings. You can also put clear, inexpensive plastic sheeting on your windows to add more insulation and reduce cold drafts. Visit sdge.com/Business-Winterfor more helpful energy-saving tips. #sdge #SDGEassist
Images: WINTER ENERGY-SAVING TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
NEW SECTION!
JUST POSTS – Residential
1. Dry winter air pulls moisture from your skin, making you feel colder. Instead of reaching for the thermostat, use a humidifier to keep your home humidity between 30% and 50%. You'll feel warmer with some humidity in the air. Get more energy-saving tips at sdge.com/MyEnergy. #sdge #SDGEassist
2. Make sure your space heater has a tip-over safety switch, is operated on a hard-level surface and is turned off when you leave the room. Don't use the heater to dry clothes and plug the heater directly into the wall to avoid overloading an extension cord. For more winter safety tips, visit sdge.com/MyEnergy. #sdge #SDGEassist
3. The sun sets earlier in the winter, prompting you to use more lighting. Along with LED light bulbs, use ENERGY STAR light fixtures, which use less energy. Get more energy-saving tips at sdge.com/MyEnergy. #sdge #SDGEassist
4. Do you rent or own a single-family home? Eligible customers may receive free products such as smart thermostats, low-flow showerheads, brushless fan motors, HVAC services like air duct testing and sealing – and more. SDG&E has contracted with Synergy Companies to provide customers with energy efficiency audits from their experts. Customers can request a home visit at SynergyCompanies.com or by calling 1-888-272-8394. Learn more at sdge.com/RES. #sdge #SDGEassist
5. The Neighbor-to-Neighbor program provides eligible SDG&E customers with up to $600 to offset their outstanding energy bills. SDG&E customers may apply if they are experiencing serious illness, temporary unemployment, disability or unusual hardship. Learn more at sdge.com/NTN. #sdge #SDGEassist
6. Insulate hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and ensure hot water reaches faucets more quickly. Get more energy-saving tips at sdge.com/MyEnergy. #sdge #SDGEassist
7. Limit the use of kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, as they can remove warm air from your home. Get more energy-saving tips at sdge.com/MyEnergy. #sdge #SDGEassist
8. SDG&E's mobile app makes it easy to view and pay your bill, track your energy use and more! You can even schedule service requests like a gas appliance check – just in time for the cooler weather. Download from the App Store or Google Play. Visit sdge.com/MobileApp for more info. #sdge #SDGEassist
JUST POSTS – Business
1. Do you own a small business? Receive energy-efficient upgrades like lighting, water heaters and refrigeration controls when you sign up for a no-cost energy assessment. One of SDG&E’s contractors will come to your business, make recommendations on where to save energy and install new equipment – many items at no cost! For more information, visit sdge.com/BES. #sdge #SDGEassist
2. Looking for ways to save energy at your business or office? Check out sdge.com/MyBusiness for energy-saving tips. #sdge #SDGEassist
3. Service all equipment at regular intervals including condenser coils and replacing air filters. For more energy-saving tips, visit sdge.com/MyBusiness. #sdge #SDGEassist
4. Insulate water heaters and hot water supply pipes to save energy. For more energy-saving tips, visit sdge.com/MyBusiness. #sdge #SDGEassist
5. Replace linear fluorescent fixtures with LED fixtures for energy savings and improved light quality. For more energy-saving tips, visit sdge.com/MyBusiness. #sdge #SDGEassist
6. Install motion detectors to control lighting in frequently unoccupied areas, such as restrooms and conference rooms. For more energy-saving tips, visit sdge.com/MyBusiness. #sdge #SDGEassist
7. Exchange information via email instead of printing or faxing documents. For more energy-saving tips, visit sdge.com/MyBusiness. #sdge #SDGEassist
8. Caulk ducts, plumbing openings, recessed lighting fixtures and other spaces that leak air into walls, floors and ceilings. For more energy-saving tips, visit sdge.com/MyBusiness. #sdge #SDGEassist
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