SAN DIEGO, May 29, 2020 – San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is offering resources and solutions to help local businesses that are worried about their energy bill as summer approaches and as they try to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses can take advantage of programs that allow them to stretch bill payments over a longer period of time, different pricing plan options to suit their needs, and online energy efficiency classes. They are also encouraged to visit sdge.com/business-tips for energy savings tips and other information to help reduce energy usage and cost.

Depending on their energy usage, some businesses are eligible to enroll in the Level Pay Program, which is limited to small commercial customers that use less than 20kW per day. For those enrolled in Level Pay, their monthly bill is based on the average dollar amount of their previous 12 months’ bills. Even if their energy usage goes up or down, Level Pay customers will pay the same amount each month for the first three months. Adjustments are then made to the monthly payment amount every three months based on actual energy use. A brief video explaining the program can be accessed at sdge.com/lpp.

SDG&E’s Business Contact Center, which can be reached at 1-800-336-7343, also stands ready to help set up payment arrangements for businesses that are struggling to pay their utility bill because of the pandemic.

Pricing Plan options

Being on the right pricing plan for electricity can make a big difference in a business’s cash flow and bottom line. SDG&E has a dedicated web page with step-by-step instructions on how to choose a pricing plan that both meets business needs and keeps energy costs under control.

Energy Efficiency Tool and Tips

Business customers who do see a spike in their bills during the summer as a result of their cooling system are also encouraged to look at new technology to help them reduce their energy cost. For example, smart thermostats are a great way for businesses to save energy and money. They can be adjusted remotely, allowing business customers to optimize their system performance, run energy-efficient schedules and have greater control. Learn more about the smart thermostat incentive program here.

For those businesses who need a head start with energy efficiency technology, free online classes are available and offered by SDG&E’s Energy Innovation Center. Classes cover topics such as energy-efficient lighting, cooking equipment, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Tips for businesses to cut energy use and bills:

• Use occupancy sensors and timers to turn off lights when they’re not in use.
• Make sure that computer power-management settings are enabled on individual computers and monitors, forcing them into sleep mode after a specific time of inactivity.
• Use smart strips with occupancy sensors which are an easy way to shut off often forgotten energy-consuming devices like desk lamps and personal printers.

Tips to save energy during building shutdowns due to COVID-19 pandemic:

• Take a walk around your office or facility to ensure all equipment is turned off.
• Turn off all unnecessary lights including display lighting and common area lighting.
• Schedule your interior and exterior lighting to accommodate new, unoccupied schedules.

Additional resources to help businesses recover from the pandemic, including webinars on how to survive COVID, a list of personal protective equipment vendors and links to local, state and federal financial assistance programs, are available at sdge.com/recovery.

SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.

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