SAN DIEGO, June 8, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has filed its proposed portfolio of energy-efficiency and demand-response programs for 2006 through 2008 with a focus on making it easier for customers to save energy. In its proposal to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), SDG&E outlined a variety of programs that will achieve energy efficiency and demand reduction and incorporate renewable technologies.
"The range of programs we're proposing is the result of a collaborative effort involving the utility, our Program Advisory Group, which is comprised of major customers and local community leaders, as well as individuals who provided feedback during public meetings," said Anne S. Smith, SDG&E's senior vice president of customer services. "These programs support our long-term energy resource plan by first implementing all cost-effective initiatives designed to reduce overall demand for electricity.
"At the same time, we're promoting a more customer-friendly approach to energy efficiency," added Smith. "The idea is to offer customers a menu of options that address all of the ways they can save energy and money, so they can integrate these measures into their overall strategy to manage their energy costs and consumption."
Two innovative programs included in the filing -- SDG&E's Sustainable Communities program and the proposed Advanced Home program -- encourage customers to install high-performance, energy-efficiency and demand-reduction technologies along with clean, on-site generation, water conservation and waste-reduction strategies. SDG&E would help customers identify funding sources for these kinds of innovative solutions.
Also, to help make it easier for customers to gain access to these programs, SDG&E has built flexibility into the program design, simplified the application process, allowed for more appliances to be eligible for point-of-purchase rebates, discounted products through manufacturer buy-downs, and streamlined the verification requirements.
SDG&E would manage the majority of the programs that are outlined in the filing, but the utility also has identified areas that could be more effectively addressed by non-utility service providers. These include appliance recycling and advanced home renovation among others. SDG&E also intends to solicit new program proposals that may include demonstration projects for emerging energy-saving technologies.
"The commission has set very aggressive goals for energy efficiency for our region," added Smith. "We are confident that we can meet the challenge through sustained commitment and collaboration among all stakeholders, and continued pursuit of innovative and effective ways to help customers reduce their energy use."
SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.3 million consumers through 1.3 million electric meters and more than 800,000 natural gas meters. The company's service territory encompasses 4,100 square miles in San Diego and southern Orange counties. Exceptional customer service is a priority of SDG&E as it seeks to enhance the region's quality of life. SDG&E is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company. To learn more, go to www.sdge.com