SDG&E customers may be rewarded with discounts on their bills through a conservation incentive program for reducing their energy use on days when the grid statewide is stressed by high energy demand.
The Power Saver Rewards Program could be activated anytime between now and October 31 whenever the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) issues an Energy Emergency Alert Watch and/or a Flex Alert. Customers enrolled in the voluntary and cost-free program will be notified via email or text messages a day ahead of the need to conserve, so they can plan and prepare accordingly.
“By being part of this program, our customers can save on their energy bill while also helping to keep the grid reliable for all Californians on those hot summer days, when electricity supplies may not be sufficient to meet demand statewide,” said SDG&E Director of Customer Programs Hollie Bierman. “Our regional grid is interconnected with the rest of the state, and we appreciate our customers’ willingness to do their part to help.”
The company said reduced energy use between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. below their typical energy use during these peak hours will receive $2 credit for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity saved. Those who do not reduce their energy during this time will not be penalized.
According to SDG&E, it takes about 2 kWh to do a load of dishes or use the oven for an hour. The average residential customer in SDG&E’s service territory uses about 400 kWh of electricity per month.
“By being part of this program, our customers can save on their energy bill while also helping to keep the grid reliable for all Californians on those hot summer days, when electricity supplies may not be sufficient to meet demand statewide,” said SDG&E Director of Customer Programs Hollie Bierman. “Our regional grid is interconnected with the rest of the state, and we appreciate our customers’ willingness to do their part to help.”
The Power Saver Rewards Program was initiated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to strengthen summer reliability statewide. Per California Public Utilities Commission requirements, more than 570,000 SDG&E customers, including those currently on bill discount programs, have been automatically enrolled in the program.
Those who wish to enroll can apply via an online application.
For more information, please visit sdge.com/powersaver or contact our Power Saver Rewards Program at (866) 291-9516.
