Simple steps can help you
control your bills
Winter 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.
Energy Management Tools
Energy Alerts
Stay informed on your energy use and avoid surprises on your bill. Sign into My Energy Center to personalize your Energy Alerts and get text or email notifications when your usage reaches a dollar amount limit that you set.
My Energy Charts
Taking control of your energy bill has never been more convenient. Sign into My Energy Center for easy-to-use features that help you track your energy use and predict your bill.
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 |
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* © 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.
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.
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
Make sure your space heater has a tip-over safety switch, is operated on a hard-level surface, and is turned off when you leave the room. Don't use the heater to dry clothes, and plug the heater directly into the wall to avoid overloading an extension cord.
Click each dot in the home below for tips to save energy and money
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.
Along with LED light bulbs, use ENERGY STAR light fixtures, which use less energy and produce less heat.
Save energy and money by running full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
in rarely used rooms and concentrate heat in your living spaces.
Before you sleep, plug in your devices so they can recharge during super off-peak hours.
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.
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.
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
Blanket energy loss
Wrap older water heaters with proper insulating jackets and set the temperature to 120 degrees F (or lower).
Block the chill
Get ready for chilly temperatures by caulking and adding weather stripping to drafty doors and windows.
Lower your thermostat
Save as much as 10% a year on heating by turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its usual setting, health permitting.
Keep your furnace clean
Check and replace your furnace filter. Dirty air filters can increase energy costs.
Unplug and save
Unplug small appliances and electronics when not in use. Using a power strip with on/off control can help. Save even more if you can power down between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Complete annual maintenance
Test air ducts for leaks, which can cost between 10 to 30 percent in heating costs. Fix leaky faucets and pipes which increase demand on the water heater and natural gas use.
Did you find what you were looking for?
CARE & FERA
CARE and FERA are two programs we offer that can provide you with a monthly discount on your bill.
Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA)
With our Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program, CARE and FERA customers may be eligible to receive low- or no-cost products and installation .
Debt Forgiveness (AMP)
Debt forgiveness is available to CARE & FERA customers through our Arrearage Management Payment (AMP) Plan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 you 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.
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 gas safety, powerline safety and more.
Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
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 that could 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. Also, try not to overload electrical outlets.
Watch Out for Hidden Damage
Keep electrical cords away from heat sources and pedestrian traffic. Do not place cords under rugs or mats where damage can go unnoticed.
Generator Safety
If you use one, ensure its properly installed and ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.
Keep Vents Clear
Keep heating vents clear of air flow obstructions like furniture or curtains. Consider using a vent cover or deflector.
Fireplace Safety
Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional annually. Only burn dry, seasoned wood.
Electrical Cord Safety
Be sure to use outdoor-rated extension cords for holiday decorations to prevent electrical hazards.
Residential Energy Solutions
No-cost, energy-efficiency upgrades for single-family homes whether you rent or own. Benefit the energy grid and the environment by helping reduce your energy consumption.
Golden State Rebates
Qualifying customers can receive rebates toward the purchase of energy-efficient products for the home.