SDG&E Offers Free Energy-Saving Home Makeovers For Low-Income Customers

By Heather Hill, KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published June 11, 2007 at 3:30 PM PDT

This story was published more than 16 years ago.

The summer is heating up, and so are San Diegans' energy bills. But what if a few minor improvements or repairs around the house could save you precious pennies in the long run? Full Focus reporter

The summer is heating up, and so are San Diegans' energy bills. But what if a few minor improvements or repairs around the house could save you precious pennies in the long run? Full Focus reporter Heather Hill has more information about a program designed to help refurbish your home -- for free.

SDG&E's Energy Team program offers free energy-saving home improvements for low-income customers. The home makeover process takes no more than 45 days, and the result is often a more comfortable home, and a cheaper bill.

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Aida Velazquez , SDG&E Energy Programs: Just three days ago, we met with a customer who had a refrigerator replaced, a water heater blanket installed, a few faucet aerators, two shower heads and incandescent light bulbs changed to compact fluorescent light, and they just received their new bill after the upgrades were completed. Their bill dropped from $100 to $55. So it was extremely significant for him.

To qualify for SDG&E's free energy-efficient makeovers, families must meet certain income guidelines. A one-to-two person household qualifies if they make slightly less than $30,000 a year. Then, the income scale climbs depending on the size of the household.

Improvements for renters and homeowners range from installing energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs and door sweeps, to more unique fixes.

Velazquez : Faucet aerators -- they allow for the low flow of water, saving not only energy from the heat source of the water, but also water in terms of gallons which is really good for the customer in terms of their monthly bill and also for the environment.

Program supervisor Aida Velazquez says the free program is a win-win situation for both SDG&E and its customers.

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Velazquez : We want to promote energy conservation and energy efficiency because it keeps our rates lower. We don't have to operate as many power plants if everybody is conserving. It's a two-fold gain. The customers save in their monthly energy bill and we gain because the power plants don't have to operate as much and it helps the environment.

SDG&E determines the improvements to be made after an initial walk-through and inspection of the property. In some cases, the company will even replace attic insulation or appliances such as malfunctioning furnaces and water heaters, and old refrigerators.

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