SDG&E

Save Money and Electricity with Ohm Connect!

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2016-08-03 at 5.02.27 PMI haven’t posted about OhmConnect in a while, and I wanted to bring it up again because of the change in seasons upon us. Lots of us will be turning on our heaters soon, and that means an increase in power bills.

OhmConnect is a program 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.

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 OhmConnect 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.

Save 18% on your SDG&E Bill with the FERA discount!

Abby H.

This was in my inbox over the weekend, and this information is going to be super helpful for some of you.

The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program can help you save money on your electric bill every month, about 18%. And with the new income limits, and adding in household sizes of 1-2, more people can qualify.

It’s quick and easy:

  • Check the new income eligibility guidelines below
  • Locate your 12-digit account number (It can be found on your SDG&E bill)
  • No additional documentation is needed
  • Applications are quick and confidential

To get started on the FERA application, all you need is your SDG&E account number (found on your bill), visit the SDG&E site here, and get started.

You may be eligible for additional assistance programs. To learn more, visit sdge.com/assistance.

And if you want more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for 6+ years, saved thousands of dollars on our power bill, and earned thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via PayPal!

Affected by the 2025 Government Shut Down?

Abby H.

I know there are so many families in San Diego that are affected by the government shutdown. I wanted to post a small roundup to try and help those who may need help with groceries, clothes, or help with paying bills.

Food:

  •  Here is my page about San Diego, CA area food banks, food pantries, and produce distributions. You can also call 211, or visit the 211 website. They have tons of great resources, including information on housing, utility assistance, and transportation.
  • SNAP will continue through the end of October without interruption (SOURCE).
  • Per Reuters, WIC may run short on funding (SOURCE).
  • For those of us with pets, the San Diego Humane Society has a community pet pantry that runs at several of its locations. More information, including hours, can be found here.

Utilities:

  • Need help paying your power bills? SDG&E has several options, based on your situation. Visit their website here for more information on programs such as a medical baseline or low-income.
  • If you need help accessing the internet, Internet for All has resources to help here.
  • Contact your local water municipality for payment options. There are too many to list in San Diego County.

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon from the 12th district of California has a lot of information on her website here. This website is updated frequently as more information becomes available.

Housing:

If you are having financial struggles that affect your ability to pay your rent or mortgage, there are resources available.

  • Homeowners: Contact your mortgage carrier and let them know you are affected by the government shutdown. They may offer forbearances or other programs to help keep you in your home.
  • Renters: CPA Advisor has information and some tips (some of which are interesting) about how to handle the shutdown when rent comes due and you are without a paycheck due to the shutdown.
  • If you are in section 8 housing or receive vouchers for housing, the NAHRO has details and information here.
  • And the National Housing Law Project has information as well.

Insurance: If you are having a hard time paying your insurance (auto, renters, homeowners, etc), check with your insurance carriers.

Vehicle Loans: If you are worried about paying your auto loan during the government shutdown, contact your loan servicer. During previous shutdowns, companies such as Toyota Financial Services offered assistance to those who used their services.

USAA members can learn more about zero-interest loans here.

Clothing, household goods:

  • Closet of 54th helps those in need with clothes. They are open a few times each month. You can find them on Facebook. They are located at the Calvary Lutheran Church, 3060 54th Street, San Diego, CA. Contact The Closet at thecloseton54th@gmail.com.
  • Naomi’s Closet is located in Santee, and they provide clothing and toiletries to women in need.
  • Also not strictly clothing-related, but one of my favorite give-back orgs is the Buy Nothing Project. There are chapters all over the US, and we have a few here in San Diego. You would be surprised at how much your neighbors are willing to share.
  • Don’t forget Freecycle.

2025 California Climate Credit- Savings on Your October Utility Bill!

Abby H.

It’s that time again! On your October 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 $81.38. This comes off the Electric portion of your bill. 

The California Climate Credit directly results from the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program which requires polluters to pay for climate pollution. Credits are distributed in April and October each year. Credits appear automatically on your bill and are designed to help utility customers during the transition to a more sustainable future.

And if you want more ways to save energy and money, check out Ohm Connect! We’ve been using Ohm Connect for 6+ years, saved thousands of dollars on our power bill, and earned thousands of dollars in gift cards and cash via PayPal!

SDG&E Customers: Get up to $4,000 towards a pre-owned EV

Abby H.

Interested in an electric car? SDG&E has an awesome program.

Driving electric just got more affordable with SDG&E®’s Pre-Owned EV Rebate Program that rewards customers with rebates of up to $4,000 when you buy or lease a used EV.

Have you already made the move to driving electric? Vehicles purchased within the last 180 days qualify for the program.

Don’t miss out on your chance to save on driving costs while contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment. Bonus tip: You may also qualify for a federal Clean Vehicle Tax Credit of up to $4,000, which ends on September 30, 2025.* Now’s a great time to go electric!

*Eligibility requirements apply; see the program conditions for details.

Learn more on the SDG&E website here. 

San Diego Residents: No cost energy upgrades for your home from SDG&E!

Abby H.

I received this information in my email this morning, and I thought I would share it.

We took advantage of this program a few years ago. It was quick and easy. This program as easy and 1, 2, 3.

Unlock Home Energy Savings
Whether you rent or own, the Residential Energy Solutions (RES) Program offers no-cost, energy-efficiency upgrades for your home. The RES Program can help reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency while giving you added comfort in your home.

You may qualify for:

  • Smart Thermostat
  • Smart Fan Controller
  • Pipe Wrap
  • AC Tune Up
  • Faucet Aerators & Shower Head

 

How to Participate:

1. Schedule an in-home appointment
2. Receive no-cost upgrades
3. Enjoy your energy savings

For more information call our authorized contractor, Synergy Companies at 1-888-272-8394 or visit sdge.com/RES.

And don’t forget- You can save money and earn cash or gift cards when you save energy with Ohm Connect. Learn more here. 

2024 California Climate Credit- Savings on Your October Utility Bill!

Abby H.

It’s that time again! On your October 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 $78.22.

The California Climate Credit directly results from the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program which requires polluters to pay for climate pollution. Credits are distributed in April and October each year. Credits appear automatically on your bill and are designed to help utility customers during the transition to a more sustainable future.

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

SDG&E: No cost energy upgrades for your home!

Abby H.

I received this information in my email this morning, and I thought I would share it.

We took advantage of this program a few years ago. It was quick and easy. This program as easy and 1, 2, 3.

Do you want to save on your energy bills?

Get no-cost energy efficiency upgrades for your home. Whether you are a renter or owner, SDG&E’s Residential Energy Solutions Program can help increase your energy efficiency and lower your energy consumption while giving you more comfort in your home.  There are several measures that you may qualify for that are listed below.

  1. Call 1-888-272-8394 to request an appointment for an energy assessment at no cost.
  2. Receive No Cost Efficiency Upgrades.
  3. Enjoy Energy Savings.

*Synergy Companies is an authorized service provider for San Diego Gas & Electric.

*Residences located in Orange County and have SoCalGas as a fuel provider will have limited or no measures available to them

And don’t forget- You can save money and earn cash or gift cards when you save energy with Ohm Connect. Learn more here. 

 

2023 California Climate Credit- Savings on Your October 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 $60.70.

The California Climate Credit is part of California’s efforts to fight climate change. This credit is from the California Cap-and-Trade Program, which requires power plants, fuel providers, and large industrial facilities that emit greenhouse gases to buy carbon pollution allowances. The credit is designed to help utility customers during the transition to a low-carbon future.

Given the increase in natural gas prices, the CPUC accelerated the distribution of gas and electric climate credits for 2023 to provide some winter bill relief to customers.

This year, SDG&E® customers received their gas climate credit in February and their electric climate credits in March and October. The credits show up on your utility bill these three months as the “California Climate Credit.”

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!

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.