Simple steps can help control your bills

Summer pricing is here, and when you use energy matters. Using less energy from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. is good for the environment (and your budget). We’ve put together tips, resources and programs to help you manage your energy usage & bill. Together, we can make a difference for a cleaner, greener tomorrow. Business customers, click here.

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Summer Energy

Vampire Energy - How much is it costing you?

When left plugged in, unused electronics and appliances can drain your energy and (your wallet). Use the Vampire Energy Calculator to learn how much you can save by unplugging items in your home when not in use.  Energy vampires are real. Unplug to save. 

What you can do to reduce vampire energy: 

  • Unplug devices when not in use. 
  • Adjust the power settings on your computer, game console, and TV.
  • Plug items that don’t need to stay on 24/7 into a power strip, and switch them off when unneeded. Better, use a smart strip for entertainment and computer systems.
  • Plug devices that you use on a regular schedule into a timer (scheduler), and program the timer to come on only when needed.
  • When replacing any device or appliance, look for an Energy Star rated product.

Finding the Vampires

Discover and defeat hidden Vampire Energy with our calculator!
Which of these energy vampires do you have plugged in? Quantity Avg kWh per Year * Energy cost per year **
Robot Vacuum Charger 10 $4.45
Monitor 21 $9.21
Air Purifier 25 $10.74
Coffee Maker 33 $14.58
Television 33 $14.58
Smart Home Hub 51 $22.10
Microwave 53 $23.02
Computer Laptop 56 $24.55
Gaming Console 60 $26.09
Toaster 70 $30.69
Printer 92 $40.05
Modem/WiFi 117 $50.95
Audio System 141 $61.38
Cable Box 281 $122.76
Uninterruptible Power Supply 896 $391.15

Total

   

© 2024 The Regents of the University of California, through the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

**Pricing may vary. Represents a residential customer in the City of San Diego on a [San Diego Community Power/SDG&E] TOU-DR1 pricing plan. Actual savings will vary based on several factors including pricing plan.

Maximize Time-of-Use to Work for You and the Environment  

Did you know that the demand for energy is usually higher between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.? 

If you’re on a Time-of-Use pricing plan (which most customers are), you can save money by shifting your energy use outside these on-peak hours – and save even more by taking advantage of the lowest-priced electricity during super off-peak hours.

If you aren’t on a Time-of-Use pricing plan, shift your energy use outside of 4-9 p.m. to make use of cleaner, renewable energy sources when they are more available to the grid.

Shift To Save

Delay Chores

Utilize the delay start button on your dishwasher and washing machine, if you can.

Charge While You Sleep

Before you sleep, plug in your devices so they can recharge during super off-peak hours.

Set a Timer

Schedule your pool and spa pumps to run during super off-peak hours.

Assistance Programs

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CARE/FERA

CARE and FERA are two programs we offer that can provide you with a monthly discount on your bill. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT CARE/FERA

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Energy Savings Assistance Program

With our Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program, CARE and FERA customers may be eligible to receive low- or no-cost products and installation .

LEARN MORE ABOUT ESA

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Debt Forgiveness (AMP)

Debt forgiveness is available to CARE & FERA customers through our Arrearage Management Payment (AMP) Plan.  

LEARN MORE ABOUT AMP

Energy Management Programs

When you sign up for the energy management programs we offer, you can save energy and earn rewards.

Mini Split AC

Power Saver Rewards

Get a bill credit for lowering your energy use. You’ll help the energy grid and benefit the environment too.

Learn more about Power Saver Rewards

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Statewide Flex Alerts

Help prevent rotating power outages this summer by creating a plan on how you’ll conserve energy when needed.

Sign up for Flex Alert notifications

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Golden State Rebates

Qualifying customers can receive rebates toward the purchase of energy-efficient products for the home.

Learn more about rebates

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Billing Tips

Enroll in Level Pay

You can have a more predictable energy bill with this budgeting tool that automatically evens out the monthly highs and lows so your energy bills are more consistent.

Learn more about Level Pay

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Understand Your Bill

Review highlighted features on a sample SDG&E and CCA bill to help you better understand your bill and manage your energy use.

View sample bill

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Check Your Pricing Plan Options

Being on the right energy plan for your lifestyle can add up to real savings on your bill, especially if you can shift your energy use.

Check pricing plan options

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Enjoy the Convenience of Auto Pay

Enroll in Auto Pay with My Energy Center. It's an easy and secure way to make sure your SDG&E bill is paid on time. Automatically. Each month. 

Learn more about Auto Pay

Click each dot in the home below for tips to save energy and money

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Use less hot water
Water heating accounts for 30% of your home’s total energy use. The longer you run hot water, the higher your energy use and bills. To save, try reducing how much hot water you use.
Upgrade your lighting
Along with LED light bulbs, use ENERGY STAR light fixtures, which use less energy and produce less heat.
Run full loads
Save energy and money by running full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
Adjust the thermostat
In the summer, set your air conditioner to 78 degrees or higher. Changing the A/C thermostat from 72 to 78 degrees can save up to 12% of your cooling costs. Even a few degrees can significantly reduce air conditioning costs.
Charge While You Sleep
Before you sleep, plug in your devices so they can recharge during super off-peak hours.
Stream on the right device
When streaming content, choose the smallest device that makes sense for the number of people watching. Game consoles can use 10 times more power than streaming through a tablet or laptop.
Wash laundry with cold water
Using warm water instead of hot can cut a load's energy use in half; using cold water will save even more. Bonus, cold water helps your clothes last longer.
Don’t get burned by hot water
Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120F, if possible. A 10° F reduction can save up to five percent on water heating costs. (*According to the Department Of Energy)

More Energy-Saving Tips

See more tips to save energy.

Cool Down with a Fan 

Use ceiling and tabletop fans to cool off, and leave the thermostat at a higher temperature. Turn fans off when you leave a room as fans cool people, not rooms. 

Precool Your Home before 4 p.m. 

Take advantage of lower priced energy by setting your A/C between 68⁰ and 74⁰ F before 4 p.m. During on-peak hours of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., adjust your thermostat to 78⁰, health permitting. 

Look for air leaks 

Weatherstrip and caulk drafty doors and windows to keep conditioned air in and save up to 5% on cooling costs. 

Delay Chores

Shift some chores like laundry and running the dishwasher outside the on-peak hours of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Save even more if you can do laundry before 2 pm on the weekends*.  

Check Your Filter 

Check your A/C’s filter every one to two months, and keep your clothes dryer vents and lint filters clean. Dirty filters cause your system to work harder, which wastes energy. 

Block the Sun 

During the heat of the day, cover windows to block the sun’s heat. If you can, open windows at night and in the early morning to let in cool air.

Use small appliances  

Instead of using the oven, use small appliances such as a microwave, toaster oven or slow cooker. The use less energy and won’t add much heat to your home. 

Fire up the grill 

Take the heat out of your kitchen by cooking outside. It’s also a good excuse to get your family outside and away from electronics

Energy Efficient Summer Recipes

We've put together four delicious recipes that are simple to make but also perfect for saving energy during the hot summer months. From refreshing salads to quick grilled meals, these recipes will help keep you cool and lower your energy use.  

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Watermelon, Feta,
and Mint Salad

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Grilled Lemon
Herb Chicken

Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup

Chilled Cucumber
Avocado Soup

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Crispy
Chicken Tenders

3 Ways to Cut Your Natural Gas Bill 

Avoid Opening Oven

Avoid Opening the Oven

Every time the door of an oven is opened, more natural gas is used to replace the heat lost.

No Heat Recipes

Enjoy No-Heat Recipes 

Try no-heat meals, such as chicken or tuna salads, wraps, subs or cheese boards. There are even no-bake dessert recipes.

Give Your Dryer Time Off

Give Your Dryer Time Off 

Consider outdoor line-drying on sunny, breezy days to save natural gas.

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