Small business energy-saving choices add up

Hear small-business owners and operators share how they reduced energy expenses in two new videos.

"A huge asset"

Eastlake Tavern+Bowl invites customers to "let the good times roll," but owner Dan Hurd doesn't relax when it comes to minding the shop.

"This is a business of nickels and dimes," he said. "Utilities really are a big line item and energy efficiency is important just for the bottom line of saving money."

Hurd started with the Direct Install program and an on-site inspection by SDG&E. This led to rebates and incentives totaling $10,255 toward energy-efficiency upgrades at the Chula Vista sports tavern and bowling alley, including new light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a freezer door shield, walk-in screens and door sealants. He's saving more than 100,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh), or about $15,000, per year.

"My advice to other business owners would be to really look at the numbers," Hurd said. "It makes financial sense. We're saving money month after month and SDG&E has been a huge asset for us."

"Great benefits"

Gabriel Camacho, general manager of two restaurants at Seaport Village, agrees: "There are great benefits for any business owner to call SDG&E and ask for a site overview."

Camacho estimates savings of 25 to 30 percent on his monthly energy bills for Margaritas Kitchen and San Diego Burger Co. through SDG&E's Direct Install program. Qualifying businesses receive a free energy consultation and select energy-efficiency retrofits. At Camacho's restaurants, SDG&E's contracted specialist replaced older lighting with new LEDs, cleaned condensers on refrigerators and freezers, and checked all the gaskets on his appliances. He also received $2,000 in SDG&E incentives that offset the cost of additional energy-efficiency upgrades. Altogether, he's saving more than 7,500 kWh, or about $1,375, per year.

A neighboring restaurant owner, Melissa Moore, liked what she saw and got similar results. Through SDG&E's Direct Install program, her Greek Islands Café and Asaggio Pizza tallied combined savings of more than 6,500 kWh, or about $1,185, per year.