energy

Saving Money on your SDG&E Bill

Abby H.

Recently I posted on Facebook that I relented and turned on the heater. Usually, it’s not cold enough, and we are all big fans of cuddly sweaters and socks, and of course piles of soft blankets. The other night I wandered down the hall and the thermostat said 48 degrees- NOPE. I turned on the heater to 68 degrees.

Someone commented that they wish they could do that. I realize that being able to run the AC or Heater is a privilege that not everyone has. I was in that position a few years ago, and then I looked into some of the programs that SDG&E offers (and I’m sure other utility companies offer as well). These programs are on their site, but you really have to dig to find them.

Here are a few programs that might be helpful:

Medical Baseline Allowance Program:  The Medical Baseline Allowance Program provides an additional amount of gas and electricity at the lowest rates for residential customers.  It is not a discount or a rebate.

Anyone who uses certain medical devices or needs space heating or air conditioning because of a medical condition may qualify. CPAP machines are on the list of qualifying medical equipment, as well as about 20 other medical devices. All the information and application can be found here.

CARE and FERA programs: For families that receive various social services or are lower income, these programs can save you 30% or 18%, respectively. To learn more, and apply, click here. 

Energy Savings Assistance program: This is a great program that I took advantage of many years ago. An SDG&E contractor came out and did some work to make our home more energy efficient. They replaced the weather stripping on our front door, gave us energy-efficient floor lamps, and did a few other things. This program is for families that receive various social services or are lower income.

With natural gas prices rising this winter, if you are eligible for any of these programs, or think you might be, it is definitely worth taking a little time to check out these links.

Screen Shot 2016-08-03 at 5.02.27 PMAnd another way I try to save money is to use Ohm Connect.  We’ve been using it for a few years, and they text and/or email you when you should conserve more power due to the demand on the power grid. It’s a win-win situation: You save money on your power bill, and you earn points from Ohm Connect that you can cash out for Paypal, Amazon, or Target Gift Cards, OhmConnect store credit (to buy energy efficient thermostats, smart plugs, etc.) You can learn more about OhmConnect here. It’s for Southern CA, New York, or Texas Residents. We save about $200/year on our power bill and earn roughly $150 in rewards. It’s a nice little extra for minimal work.

SDG&E: Get Paid To Plant a Tree!

Abby H.

This popped into my inbox this afternoon and I thought I would share. This is such a great idea and you do not have to be a homeowner to do it!

Trees and plants provide important environmental, health, and community benefits. SDG&E’s Community Tree Rebate Program is designed to build our region’s tree canopy in neighborhoods where trees are needed most to clean the air, conserve water, and provide shade canopy to help reduce energy usage.

Qualifying SDG&E customers can receive a $35 rebate for planting or potting 1- or 5-gallon tree/plant species, up to five (5) rebates annually. You do not need a yard to qualify, as trees or other plant species can be planted in large containers on outdoor balconies or patio areas.

• Check your eligibility
• See what trees/species qualify
• Purchase up to five eligible trees or plant species; only 1- or 5-gallon sizes are eligible.
• Plant and purchase the tree(s) or plant specie(s) at your home by 10/31/2022 – make sure to keep your receipts!
• Take one photo per tree/specie planted in the ground or in a sufficient container.
• Upload application with receipt(s) and photo(s) to our tree rebate portal by 11/15/2022.
• Receive $35 rebate per tree/specie.

While this program is for a limited number of San Diego County Zip Codes, if you live outside the Zip Codes for this program, you may be eligible for other tree programs. More information on other programs may be found here.

2022 California Climate Credit- It’s Back for August and September!

Abby H.

It’s back! I posted earlier this year about the credit on your April bill, and now we are getting credits in both August and September!

This August* your utility bill will include an electric credit identified as the “California Climate Credit.” Your household and millions of others throughout the state will receive this credit on your utility bills.

In the past years, the electric credit was applied in April and October, and the gas credit was applied in April. For 2020-2022, the California Public Utilities Commission authorized SDG&E to temporarily shift the electric credit to be applied in August and September.

Changing the distribution months will not change the total value of the climate credits you receive in a year. The shift will provide bill relief for customers – during what are typically the hottest months of the year – and reduce bill volatility.

The gas credit will continue to be applied in April. In 2023, the climate credit will revert back to its original timing of April and October unless the Commission directs otherwise.

The California Climate Credit is part of California’s efforts to fight climate change. This credit is from a state program that requires power plants, natural gas providers, and other large industries that emit greenhouse gases, to buy carbon pollution permits.

The credit on your bill is your share of the payments from the State’s program. The Climate Credit is one of many programs resulting from landmark legislation called the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.

The California Climate Credit is one way Californians are working towards a zero-carbon state. Find other ideas for energy and money-saving upgrades for your home while reducing your carbon footprint at energyupgradeca.org/the-movement.

And if you are looking for more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for 5+ years and we’ve saved thousands of dollars on our power bill, and earned thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via PayPal!

I cashed out some of our points for a $10 Amazon Gift card a few weeks ago, and we almost have enough for another Amazon Gift Card!

 

Ohm Connect: Now available in Texas and New York!

Abby H.

We’ve been using Ohm Connect for years. In addition to saving power during times of high demand on the power grid, we’ve saved money on our power bill and earned rewards from Ohm Connect.

I’m excited that Ohm Connect has decided to open its program to those living in Texas and New York as well.

Once you sign up, you will be alerted when the demand for energy increases (Either via text or email- your choice). If you cut down on power usage during those peak times, you will not only reduce your power bill but also receive points from Ohm Connect that can be redeemed for cash back via PayPal or gift cards (I usually get Target Gift cards).

And you can connect your smart home devices to help you save- the Ohm Connect App walks you through everything! It’s super simple.

We’ve earned $25 in rewards so far in 2022!

 

California Climate Credit- Savings on Your April 2022 Utility Bill!

Abby H.

It’s that time again! On your April California Utility Bill (Which includes PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, Bear Valley, Liberty, and Pacific Power), you will receive a California Climate Credit. For SDG&E customers, the amount is $43.06.

The California Climate Credit is part of California’s efforts to fight climate change. This credit is from a state program that requires power plants, natural gas providers, and other large industries that emit greenhouse gases to buy carbon pollution permits. The credit on your bill is your share of the payments from the State’s program.

Rather than receiving your electricity credits in April and October as in years past, the electricity credits have been moved to August and September for 2020 – 2022.

Please know you will still get your climate credits as they will be reflected in your utility bills this year. In fact, in April* your utility bill will include a gas credit identified as the “California Climate Credit.”

Changing the distribution months will not change the total value of the climate credits you receive in a year. The shift will provide bill relief for customers and reduce bill volatility.

 

And if you are looking for more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for 5+ years and we’ve saved thousands of dollars on our power bill, and earned thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via paypal!

California Climate Credit- It’s Back for August and September!

Abby H.

What is the California Climate Credit? This August* your utility bill will include an electric credit identified as the “California Climate Credit.” Your household and millions of others throughout the state will receive this credit on your utility bills.

In the past years, the electric credit was applied in April and October, and the gas credit was applied in April. For 2020 and 2021, the California Public Utilities Commission authorized SDG&E to temporarily shift the electric credit to be applied in August and September.

If you have any of the following utilities: PG&E, SDG&E, SCE Pacific Power, and Liberty Utilities, your August and September bills will have a credit.

Changing the distribution months will not change the total value of the climate credits you receive in a year. The shift will provide bill relief for customers – during the typically hottest months of the year – and reduce bill volatility.

The gas credit will continue to be applied in April. In 2022, the climate credit will be distributed back to its original timing of April and October unless the Commission directs otherwise. The California Climate Credit is part of California’s efforts to fight climate change. This credit is from a state program that requires power plants, natural gas providers, and other large industries that emit greenhouse gases, to buy carbon pollution permits.

The credit on your bill is your share of the payments from the State’s program. The Climate Credit is one of many programs resulting from landmark legislation called the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.

The California Climate Credit is one way Californians are working towards a zero-carbon state. Find other ideas for energy and money-saving upgrades for your home while reducing your carbon footprint at energyupgradeca.org/the-movement.

And if you are looking for more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for 5+ years and we’ve saved thousands of dollars on our power bill, and earned thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via paypal!

I cashed out some of our points for a $25 Amazon Gift card last week, and we almost have enough for another $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Free Water & Energy Savings Kit from SDG&E!

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2017-11-09 at 1.26.41 PM.pngThis offer ends 12/3117, so order ASAP!

If you are an SDG&E customer, check your emails for this offer!

When you install a Water & Energy Savings Kit, you can save up to $100 per year in water and energy costs. This kit is valued at $30 and you have been pre-qualified to receive it at no charge.

Take advantage of our improved online order process and receive your kit sooner. Quantities are limited so order now while supplies last.

The Water & Energy Savings Kit includes:

•1 Low-Flow Showerhead

•1 Kitchen Faucet Aerator

•2 Bathroom Faucet Aerators

•1 LED Sensor Night Light

 

I just ordered ours! Anyway we can save money and natural resources is a win-win in my book!

Score a FREE ecobee4 Wifi Thermostat!

Abby H.

So, ya’ll know my love of Ohm Connect! It’s an awesome way for Southern CA residents to earn money while conserving power! I wrote about it here, with all the deets.

Right now through Labor Day, when you refer 4 friends that reach silver status (it’s super easy) you will receive a free ecobee4 wifi thermostat! The ecobee4 is the new hottest thermostat on the market (no pun intended). With built-in Amazon Alexa Voice Service and a remote sensor to manage hot and cold spots, CNET is calling ecobee4 the new smart thermostat to beat!

Screen Shot 2017-08-09 at 8.54.26 AM.png

If you haven’t signed up for Ohm Connect yet, you can do so here.  We’ve been members since 2005, and we’ve earned over $300 cash back via paypal, plus, we’ve saved a bunch of money on our utility bill!  The Ohm Connect alerts (via text) about when to conserve power are a big help!

Ohm Connect is available to those with an electric utility account with Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison or San Diego Gas & Electric.