Winter Savings
Each season presents new opportunities for us to help you save energy and money. Here are no-cost and low-cost tips to help you save on energy costs this winter.
Upgrade your lighting
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.
Keep your furnace clean
Check furnace filters once a month and replace them regularly. A dirty air filter can increase your energy costs and cause problems with your equipment.
Power off
Turn off lights, computers, TVs, and other electronic devices when not in use. Use a smart power strip to make powering off even easier.
Don't get burned by hot water
Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120F, if possible. You’ll not only save energy; you’ll avoid scalding your hands.
Wash 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.
Stop the breeze
Caulk and weather-strip around drafty doors and windows. Use a door sweep, door sock or towel at the bottom of doors with a gap.
3 Ways to Cut Your Natural Gas Winter Heating Bill
Lower your winter natural gas bill with these energy-saving tips. Quick and easy ways to lower your natural gas heating bill while still staying warm.
Control humidity
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.
Heat Efficiently
You can save as much as 10% per year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat down 7°–10°F for 8 hours a day in the fall and winter.
Use Space Heaters
Today’s modern space heaters are energy efficient and can warm the room you’re in so you don’t have to heat the whole house - especially important if you have central heating. Make sure your model has a tip-over safety switch, always operate on a hard-level surface, and turn off when you leave the room. Plug them directly into the wall as such devices can overload extension cords and don't use them to dry clothes.
Maximizing Time-of-Use to work for you and the environment
Did you know the demand for energy is usually higher between 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.? Even if you aren’t on a Time-of-Use plan, shifting energy use outside these hours means you can make better use of cleaner, renewable energy sources when they are more available to the power grid. If you’re on a Time-of-Use plan, which most customers are, shifting your use can also save money. Save even more by taking advantage of the lowest priced electricity during super-off-peak hours.
Delay chores.
Utilize the delay start button on your dishwasher and washing machine, if you can.
Save while you sleep.
Recharge your devices while you do the same, so your devices will be fully charged when you wake up.
Set a timer.
Schedule your pool and spa pumps to run during super off-peak hours.
Providing assistance when you need it
If you are having trouble paying your bill, please call our Customer Contact Center at 1-800-411-7343 to make payment arrangements. To learn about programs that can help you with your utility bills, visit our Assistance page.
Save 30% or more
SDG&E offers programs, like CARE and FERA, that provide monthly discounts on your energy bill.
Sign up for bill alerts
Keep track of your energy use and costs with email or text alerts. These alerts give you information about your account, energy use and more.
Get a more predictable bill.
Level Pay offers the convenience of predictable billing throughout the year. Level Pay averages your bill every three months; you don’t pay more or less.
Winter safety tips for your home
Safety should come first every season. Here are some helpful safety tips for your home. Visit our safety page for more home-safety tips and information on everything from gas safety, powerline safety and more.
Carbon monoxide
Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home, check the battery annually and replace the detector every five years to ensure it's working.
Prevent a fire
Keep electric heaters a safe distance from furniture, blankets and other objects which might catch fire.
Don't overload outlets
When lighting for the holidays, always replace damaged light cords and broken sockets, instead of trying to repair them and try not to overload electrical outlets.
Watch out for hidden damage
Keep electrical cords away from heat sources, pedestrian traffic, and do not place them under rugs or mats where damage can go unnoticed.