Residential Lighting Program

Save Energy and Money with CFLs

Lighting accounts for up to 20% of the average home’s electric bill. ENERGY STAR®-qualified Compact Flourescent Lights (CFLs) provide the same amount of light (lumens) as standard incandescent bulbs, but have lower wattage ratings.

Benefits of CFLs

Energy Star Partner
  • Use less energy and cause less pollution while still producing the same amount of light
  • Provide high-quality light using smart technology and design
  • Require less energy than typical incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer

Why Choose Compact Fluorescents

ENERGY STAR-labeled CFLs and indoor or outdoor hardwired lighting fixtures have the following characteristics.

  • Can be used in most incandescent fixtures already in your home.
  • Use up to two-thirds less energy and can save homeowners up to $65 in energy costs per year.
  • Cut energy consumption almost in half with the use of dimmable lights.
  • Distribute the light more efficiently and evenly than standard fixtures.
    • Applies only to qualified fixtures.
  • Produce 70% less heat than their incandescent equivalents following guidelines for fire safety from the National Fire Protection Association.

Doing Your Part

If every American home changed out just 5 high-use light fixtures or the bulbs in them with CFLs that have earned the ENERGY STAR label, together we'd keep more than one trillion pounds of greenhouse gases out of our air.

That is equal to the emissions of 8 million cars. A $6 billion energy savings for Americans, equivalent to the annual output of more than 21 power plants.

Discounted light promotional price sticker

Look for this label for discounted CFLs.

How to Participate

Look for ENERGY STAR-qualifying products with the SDG&E sticker at your favorite retailer.

These products are already discounted and are displayed with the special low price provided by the manufacturer, your retailer and SDG&E.

Proper CFL Disposal

Please remember to always recycle your CFLs in the proper manner, and in accordance with California state law.

Our CFL Disposal Information page has disposal guidelines and a list of the appropriate city agencies that can assist you with CFL recycling.

Contact Us

For additional information regarding the Residential Lighting Program.

This program is offered on a first come, first served basis and is effective until funding is depleted or the program is discontinued by the California Public Utilities Commission. Quantities are limited. The program is funded by California utility customers and administered by San Diego Gas & Electric under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.