Energy Saving Tips

Learn how to save energy — and save money! Reduce demand on the power grid and spend less on your energy bill with these energy saving tips and tricks.

Energy Saving Programs & Partnerships

We’re proud to share special offers with our partners to help you save energy when it matters most.

OhmConnect can help you reduce your energy bill, and will even pay you for the energy you save! Click here to learn how you can get paid to save energy with OhmConnect.

Energy Efficiency for Every Day

Electricity is more expensive during “peak hours,” (between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.) when electricity is at a high demand, but electricity from renewable resources is less available.

Reducing energy use during peak hours can reduce demand on the power grid and help you save on your energy bill. Some easy ways to do so include:

  • Turning off all but essential lighting
  • Pre-cooling your home outside of peak demand hours
  • Using less hot water by operating washing machines and dishwashers during off-peak hours or on cold water
  • Setting the thermostat for your air conditioner at a higher temperature when it is running
  • Installing timers on electricity-consuming appliances such as electric water heaters, indoor and outdoor lighting, water recirculation pumps, and pool and spa pumps
  • Using timers to run appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and ovens at non-peak times

 

Electrification, or replacing gas appliances with electric appliances, can also reduce energy costs. Click here to learn more about the benefits of electrification.

And click here to learn more about the best ways to conserve energy by time of day.

Before 4 pm

  • “Pre-cool” your home by turning your A/C down to 72 degrees

  • Charge electric vehicles

  • Charge mobile devices and laptops

  • Run dishwashers, washing machines, and other major appliances

  • Set pool pumps to run in the early morning or late at night

  • Close blinds and drapes

Between 4 pm and 9 pm

  • Set your A/C to 78 degrees, if health permits

  • Avoid using major appliances

  • Turn off unnecessary lights

  • Unplug unused electrical devices

  • Use fans when possible

  • Limit time the refrigerator door is open

Need to Find a Cool Zone in San Diego?

The Cool Zone program is an established network of free, air-conditioned settings (such as libraries or community centers) across San Diego County that allow respite for older adults, persons with disabilities or anyone looking to escape the extreme heat during the summer.

Cool Zones are a way for residents to lower individual utility usage and help conserve energy for the whole community.

To locate the Cool Zone site nearest you, click here to view an interactive map with location information or call 2-1-1.

Wildfire & Emergency Preparedness

Make sure you and your family are safe by making the proper preparations in case of a wildfire.

Get Your CAL FIRE Custom Wildfire Preparedness Plan here. Based on your answers, your personalized emergency preparedness plan will be created.

Flex Alerts and Power Outages

Flex Alerts are voluntary calls for consumers to conserve electricity. A Flex Alert is typically issued in the summer when extremely hot weather causes energy demand to increase until it meets generation capacity, usually during peak hours.

When the state’s power grid operator, California ISO, calls for a Flex Alert we have the opportunity to prevent more dire emergency measures, including rotating power outages, by reducing our own energy use with the tips above.

Sign up to receive Flex Alerts here.

Power outages can occur for many reasons including, but not limited to, emergency repairs for damaged equipment, routine maintenance for reliability, expanding the grid for future growth and preventing wildfires in prone conditions.

All customers should reach out to SDG&E when experiencing an outage. To check on outages in your area, please click here. For more information on outage notifications and how to prepare, please contact SDG&E at 1 (800) 411-7343 or visit SDG&E’s outage center webpage.

During adverse weather conditions, a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) may be used by SDG&E to help prevent potential wildfires. To sign up for PSPS event notifications, please visit the PSPS Notifications page.

Safety During an Outage

During a power outage here are some quick safety tips to follow:

Use a flashlight rather than a candle for light at night.

If using a standby generator, follow these safety tips:

  • Turn off major appliances like the dishwasher or A/C that were running when the power went out to prevent them from starting unexpectedly when power is restored.
  • Unplug or turn off TVs, stereo and game systems.
  • Leave one light on so you know when power is restored.

Supplies to keep on hand:

  • Flashlight(s) with a supply of fresh batteries
  • Portable battery-powered radio so you can keep up with the news
  • Telephone that does not depend on electricity
  • Easy-to-prepare, nonperishable foods. This includes packaged snacks and bottled water and juices
  • Wind-up or battery-operated clock
  • First-aid kit