SDG&E  OCTOBER 2019 |

Here are several posts, articles and photos you are welcome to use in your email communications, website or newsletters. Thank you for sharing this information with your residents, customers and employees.

Article 1: How to prepare for an emergency at work

Proper planning and preparation in advance can teach employees how to respond, help protect operations and save lives should an emergency occur. Watch this video on emergency preparedness bit.ly/278azU5 for your business. And, here are five ways to stay safe in your workplace.

  • Know the location of the nearest exits, evacuation routes, automated external defibrillator (AED) and fire extinguishers
  • Know your building security and floor leaders
  • Participate in emergency exercises, drills and training programs
  • Advise your supervisor of potential hazards so these can be corrected
  • Eliminate potential fire hazards by keeping offices and cubicles free from paper clutter and recycle all unnecessary paper

ARTICLE 2: Do you know when to reduce your energy use?

Despite the relatively mild temperatures this summer and early fall, we have recently experienced hotter-than-normal days which can lead to higher bills and calls for energy conservation.

What do Event Days mean for your business?

  • Event days are called when demand for energy spikes across the state.
  • On Event Days, if your business is on the Time-of-Use pricing plan, you can save if you have the flexibility to shift your energy use to before 2 pm or after 6 pm.
  • If a Reduce Your Use or Critical Peak Pricing event day is called, your energy costs can increase up to 400% between the hours of 2 pm – 6 pm.
  • Shifting or reducing your energy use to after 6 pm or before 2 pm can help you maximize your energy savings during an Event Day.

Know your plan

  • If your business is on an event day pricing plan, it pays to be mindful when calls to conserve are asked. You can review your current pricing plan and other plan options on My Account under ‘Pricing Plans’.

Be Prepared

  • Sign up for alerts via text or email in My Account under ‘Alerts and Subscriptions.’
  • Reduce or shift energy use between 2 pm and 6 pm if an event day is called. Turn off non-essential lights or equipment or adjust your thermostat a few degrees.

You Have Options

If you can’t shift or reduce your electricity use when an event day occurs, and you’d like to avoid potential price increases, explore your other pricing plan options. Visit sdge.com/myaccount, click on ‘Pricing Plans’ and you’ll find your plan choices.

Article 3: BUSINESS SEMINAR: LEED FOR RESTAURANTS AND RETAIL SPACES

Is your business a leader in sustainability? Being certified in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) can distinguish you from the competition. SDG&E® offers no-cost classes to get you on the road to success. Nearly 100 national and independent retailers and franchisees, including Chipotle, McDonald’s, Pizza Fusion and Starbucks, have achieved LEED® Certification for many of their retail spaces. Restaurant and retail spaces have unique considerations, including occupancy demands, waste streams, and energy and water use, that warrant a more niche and specific LEED® offering.  Alex Spilger, founder of GreenStep, will be teaching this class at SDG&E’s Energy Innovation Center. Alex has consulted with and helped many high-profile businesses nationwide to achieve their LEED® goals.

Class highlights

  • Learn how LEED® for restaurants and retail addresses energy, water, waste, materials and human health
  • Develop a preliminary LEED® Scorecard for sample retail and/or restaurant projects
  • Review case study projects that have successfully implemented LEED® for restaurants and retail space
  • Highlight of LEED-related strategies

If you are a restaurant or retail space owner, energy auditor or architect, this class is a must for you. Professionals who want to gain a practical understanding of LEED® and how it can be successfully applied to restaurant and retail spaces, will benefit from this course.

Register today for LEED for Restaurants & Retail Spaces at seminars.sdge.com.

Date:  Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Location: SDG&E’s Energy Innovation Center, conveniently located in the Diane Shopping Center at 4760 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego.

Time:  9 am – 11 am (includes breakfast)

ARTICLE 4: DISASTERS DON’T PLAN AHEAD. YOU CAN.

An estimated 25 percent of businesses don’t open again after a major disaster, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety. Protect your business by identifying the risks relevant to your location, both natural and man-made. Then, keep your plan of action updated.

Preserve your equipment and business records by referencing this IRS guide on how to protect your information before an emergency strikes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also offers an emergency preparedness checklist and toolkit.

Here are helpful preparedness tips to learn before an emergency strikes not during.

  • Train your employees in general fire safety, especially for tasks with a high-fire risk, such as welding and cutting, fueling vehicles, working with flammable liquids, etc.
  • If your office roof is accessible by ladder, prop it against the building so you and firefighters have access to the roof.
  • Establish an evacuation plan and keep it up-to-date. Plan primary and secondary exits from your buildings. Consider how employees will escape if doors or windows are blocked by an exterior fire.
  • Build a personal “go bag” for your cubicle or office that’s easily accessible if, and when, you need to evacuate your work location.
  • Keep appropriate emergency supplies on hand, including flashlights, battery-powered portable radio, extra batteries, first-aid kit, manual can opener, non-perishable foods and bottled water.

For more information and tips on how to be prepared for an emergency, visit the FEMA website at fema.gov.

September 2019

Article 1: $50 CASH BACK ON SMART THERMOSTATS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Smart thermostats are a great way for your business to save energy and money. They can be adjusted remotely, allowing your business to optimize its system performance, run energy-efficient schedules and have greater control.

SDG&E will give you $50 for every qualified Nest or ecobee smart thermostat you buy for your business – up to four thermostats, for a max total of $200. Businesses that are heavy users of energy may qualify for more thermostats.

When you register for SDG&E’s AC Saver Program on sdge.com/acsaver, we remotely adjust your thermostat(s) on select days when demand for energy is highest and reduction is needed. When you let SDG&E adjust your thermostat from April 1 – October 31, you’ll get a $20 credit on your December energy bill.

Qualifying thermostats include:

  1. Google Nest Learning Thermostat
  2. Google Nest Thermostat E
  3. ecobee3
  4. ecobee3 lite
  5. ecobee4
  6. ecobee EMS Si
  7. ecobee Smart Thermostat with voice control

For details on this program, visit sdge.com/business-thermostat or call 1.800.644.6133. For more ways that your business can save on energy costs, visit sdge.com/savetheday.

Article 2: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLANNING FOR YOUR BUSINESS

September is National Preparedness Month. During an emergency, every second counts. Thoughtful planning can help keep you and your staff safe in the event of unexpected emergencies like earthquakes, floods, fires, acts of violence or power outages. You can track power outages on SDG&E’s Outage Center at sdge.com/outage or view the outage map at sdge.com/outages.

According to Ready.gov, 62% of businesses say they don’t have an emergency plan in place for their business. Your first step is to identify your business’s risks and think about which disasters are most likely to affect your business. Then, develop a workplace emergency plan and practice it with your employees. It’s important to keep in contact with customers and employees, during and after an emergency. Create a crisis communications plan that includes internal and external communication protocols for before, during and after a disaster.

Be sure to have emergency supplies available at the workplace. Think about providing an emergency preparedness kit or backpack for each employee. Visit sdge.com/checklist to find recommended items to keep in your emergency kit. Since you don’t know when a disaster will occur, prepare an emergency kit for your home, work and vehicle.

Find great information and ideas for business preparedness planning on ready.gov/business. You can sign up for alerts including power outage notifications at sdge.com/alerts or by app at sdge.com/mobileapps. If there’s a wildfire in the area, the power could be turned off for public safety. Learn more at sdge.com/wildfire-safety

Article 4: IS YOUR BUSINESS READY FOR ADVANCED ENERGY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES?

Has it been awhile since you implemented energy retrofits in your facility? Do you want to take your energy program to the next level? Attend SDG&E’s Energy Innovation Center’s workshop, “Advanced Energy Management Strategies.” This no-cost workshop will cover new strategies you can implement in your facility for immediate cost savings. Today’s business, facility and energy managers are challenged to deliver more savings with less investment in energy efficiency. Learn how to turn this challenge into an opportunity by diving deeper and finding advanced energy solutions beyond the basic lighting and HVAC retrofits.

Seminar Highlights:

  • Current trends in energy management
  • Developing a strategic energy plan
  • Advanced energy-saving measures and retrofits
  • Financing strategies for energy projects

Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (breakfast and lunch are included)

Location: 4760 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego 92117

Register today for the Advanced Energy Management Strategies workshop. For a complete list of all classes, including Building Performance, Energy Codes & Standards and Foodservice, visit sdge.com/training. You can also search for classes on seminars.sdge.com.

November 2018 Articles

Article 1: Save on energy costs in the office 

There are many ways to save electricity in an office, and most can be made with small changes to employee behavior. Often, simply letting your staff know that you intend to be more conscious of energy costs and ways to save is enough to make them aware and conscientious about it, too!

In case you’re not sure where to begin, below are some effective business energy-saving tips to help jumpstart your cost savings. The main thing is to avoid using energy when it’s not absolutely needed.

  1. Get an energy audit. SDG&E authorized contractors will conduct a free, on-site energy audit that will show you ways you can save. Get more information at com/BES.
  2. Reduce peak demand. Reduce energy use from 4pm – 9pm (peak hours) by staggering work schedules, running heavy equipment before 4pm or after 9pm, and conserving energy throughout the day.
  3. Turn off lights when not in use. This may seem like a no-brainer, but in a typical office – lights stay on in areas like break rooms, bathrooms and conference rooms, even when they’re not being used. Use sensor lights!
  4. Get employees engaged in energy-efficient practices. Educate your staff, post energy-saving tips in conspicuous areas around the office, invest in energy efficient appliances, and encourage employees to bring innovative energy-saving ideas to staff meetings.
  5. Make it personal. When people understand WHY they are doing something new, and not simply TOLD to change long-time energy habits without a reason, they’re less likely to push back against new policies and procedures.

Article 2: Is your business ready for an emergency? 

Most of us have a home emergency plan for our families. When was the last time you actively thought about how to respond to an emergency at work?

During an emergency, you may find it difficult to think quickly and remember all the things you need to do. Although emergencies do not happen often, planning for them is one of those crucial ‘just in case’ precautions, like having smoke detectors.

Knowing what to do when an emergency occurs in the workplace may make the difference when the seconds count. Create an Emergency Action Plan that covers topics such as emergency communications, and evacuation, emergency and reporting procedures. Get help with an action plan at sdge.com/plan.

Article 3: Learn the latest technologies at no cost! 

Interested in green building design and construction, energy efficiency, codes and standards, or other energy-related topics? The Energy Innovation Center offers free, introductory through advanced level classes for professionals in many fields. Get the skills that are important to your customers. Check out the class schedule at sdge.com/training.

August 2018 Articles

Article 1: As summer business picks up, step up your efforts to save energy

Now that summer is here, it’s a great time to make sure your building’s energy performance is in top shape. These measures have the potential to save significant amounts of energy, leaving you with more money for your business while maintaining or improving occupant comfort.

Many small-business owners who cater to families see their traffic pick up in the summer months when school is out; others benefit from summer tourism; and some are inherently seasonal. Whatever the reason, increased summer business can also mean higher energy bills and more waste. Consider these tips to help offset that impact:

  1. Take advantage of the longer hours of sunlight. Your customers are likely to appreciate the beautiful summer days as much as you do; they can enjoy them by keeping the use of indoor lights to a minimum. It can also help keep your space cooler.
  2. Adjust your summer schedule. If your business is able to easily change hours, consider doing so to avoid peak energy demand times (4pm – 9pm Monday through Sunday).
  3. Use energy-efficient landscaping. Many owners like to use the summer months to tidy up their grounds with professional landscaping; and it can also be an opportunity to save energy. For example, planting trees strategically to provide shade can save a business thousands of dollars per year.

Article from Energy Upgrade California (they let us use their content and photos)

Article 2: Disasters don’t plan ahead. You can.

An estimated 25 percent of businesses don’t open again after a major disaster, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety. Protect your small business by identifying the risks relevant to your location, both natural and man-made. Then, keep your plan of action updated.

Preserve your equipment and business records by referencing this IRS guide on protecting your information before an emergency strikes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also offers an emergency preparedness checklist and toolkit.

Here are helpful preparedness tips to learn before an emergency strikes, not during.

  • Train your employees in general fire safety, especially for tasks with a high-fire risk, such as welding and cutting, fueling vehicles, working with flammable liquids, etc.
  • If your office roof is accessible by ladder, prop it against the building so you and firefighters have access to the roof.
  • Establish an evacuation plan and keep it up-to-date. Plan primary and secondary exits from your buildings. Consider how employees will escape if doors or windows are blocked by an exterior fire.
  • Build a personal “go bag” for your cubicle or office (containing basic necessities) that’s easily accessible if, and when, you need to evacuate your work location.
  • Keep appropriate emergency supplies on hand, including flashlights, battery-powered portable radio, extra batteries, first-aid kit, manual can opener, non-perishable foods and bottled water.

For more information and tips on how to be prepared for an emergency, visit the FEMA website at www.fema.gov.

 

Article 3: For outage info – tap app, map or Twitter

Save yourself a phone call and use online options for information on planned and unplanned power outages at sdge.com/outage.

  • Download our free mobile app at com/mobileapps to view our outage map on your mobile device
  • Our outage map at com/outagemap shows affected areas and estimated restoration times
  • Enter your service address in the look-up tool at com/outagestatus to check the status of state-ordered rotating outages called during regional power emergencies
  • Tweet us or follow us on Twitter @SDGE or com/sdge for news and alerts

Article 4: Test state-of-the-art equipment at SDG&E’s demonstration kitchen for free

SDG&E’s Commercial Demonstration Kitchen at our Energy Innovation Center houses the latest in energy-efficient and vent-less cooking equipment. It’s a great hands-on resource for the commercial foodservice industry. And right now, we have increased rebates on select foodservice equipment! Get rebate details at sdge.com/NLrebates.

You can try it before you buy it. Take “test-drives” of over 40 pieces of the latest energy-efficient natural gas and electric equipment from a variety of manufacturers. This service is at no-cost and no obligation.

You can compare quality, production, overall performance and ease of maintenance to help decide which appliances to purchase. Try new recipes! If you’d like to learn more, visit sdge.com/EIC, call 800.613.8970 or email FoodService@semprautilities.com. The Energy Innovation Center is located at 4760 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA  92117.

Message Archive with images

April 2017 Message from SDG&E

October 2016 Message from SDG&E®

July 2016 Message from SDG&E®

These messages are presented on behalf of SDG&E and do not necessarily express the views of the Julian Chamber of Commerce

San Diego Gas & Electric Messages

With a focus on business
April 2017 Business Messaging from SDG&E®
See April 2017 Message from SDG&E for the full document with links and images.

Article 1: EcoChoice℠ is a productive choice for businesses

SDG&E’s EcoChoice program gives customers the option to purchase up to 100% clean, renewable energy. The program may be a good option for those who lease or don’t have the ability to adopt solar due to costs or the inability to put panels on their rooftop. With Ecochoice, there’s no upfront installation cost and you’re supporting clean, renewable energy in our community. Those who enroll will pay a small premium every month depending on their subscription level. Customers can visit our online calculator to estimate how much it will cost each month to purchase renewable energy through the program. Customers can also enroll online. For more information, visit sdge.com/ecochoice.

Article 2: 2017 Energy Showcase Expo coming soon
Join us at the annual Energy Showcase Expo on May 17, 2017. The event will be held at the San Diego Convention Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to experience first-hand:

• State-of-the-art energy solutions – browse new and exciting products, services and tools to help you manage energy use
• An alternative fuel vehicle show – view a variety of different models and find the car that’s right for you
• This year’s Energy Champions – learn what local businesses have done to make them leaders in energy savings and find out how you can be a future champion
For more information, visit sdge.com/ES2017

Article 3: Is your facility prepared for an influx of electric vehicles?
The San Diego region is about 10 percent of the state. If Governor Brown’s goal of 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on California roads by 2025 is reached, our region could see 150,000 electric vehicles on our streets. We already have over 23,000 EVs in San Diego. It’s not a question of “if” you will be asked to install charging, it’s a question of “when”?
SDG&E’s Power Your Drive program is installing 3,500 electric vehicle charging stations at apartments, condos and businesses across our service area. Interest in the program has been strong with over 400 properties on the interest list and only 350 sites available as of now. Sign up on our interest list or learn more on sdge.com/PowerYourDrive.

Already have an EV? Sign up for the Electric Vehicle Climate Credit
If you drive an all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, you may be eligible to receive an annual credit of at least $50 on your SDG&E bill. Applications, found online at sdge.com/evcc, are being accepted now through May 2017.
Article 5: Attend Our Free Technology Incentives seminar
SDG&E’s Technology Incentives (TI) Program provides incentives to businesses that purchase and install a qualifying Energy Management system (EMS). These systems help businesses control their energy use by implementing a customized load curtailment plan that optimizes system performance and monitors energy costs year round. By attending SDG&E’s free Technology Incentives class, you’ll learn the basic concepts and associated benefits of Energy Management Systems, Automated Demand Response and the Technology Incentives Program.
Visit seminars.sdge.com to register for this free, introductory level seminar. For more information:
 Visit the Technology Incentives website at sdge.com/TI
 Email drp@semprautilities.com
 Contact your SDG&E Account Executive
 Call the Business Contact Center at 1-866-377-4735
Article 6: SDG&E Spurs Energy Storage Innovation with Flow Battery Technology

SDG&E recently unveiled a new vanadium redox flow (VRF) battery storage pilot project in coordination with Sumitomo Electric (SEI), which stemmed from a partnership between Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Development Organization (NEDO) and the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). During the four-year demonstration project, SDG&E will be researching if flow battery technology can economically enhance the delivery of reliable energy to customers, integrate growing amounts of renewable energy and increase the flexibility in the way the company manages the power grid. To read more of this story, visit sdgenews.com.

Social Media Samples
Tweets
 You’re invited to SDG&E’s Annual Energy Showcase Expo on May 17! Register at bit.ly/2nhS3sX #espsdge
 SDG&E’s Power Your Drive program is installing 3,500 electric vehicle charging stations bit.ly/2nIi8SS #espsdge
 Zero-percent interest loans for qualifying businesses. Learn more at bit.ly/2nhwqJa #espsdge
 Find qualified trade professionals to help identify & implement energy & money saving solutions at your business bit.ly/2nHWBtz #espsdge
 Enroll in free classes at SDG&E’s Energy Innovation Center. Learn how to make your business more energy-efficient. bit.ly/2nW7uW3 #espsdge
 Keep track of your business’s energy use and costs with email or text alerts. Subscribe at bit.ly/2nbZU9K #espsdge
 SDG&E’s EcoChoice Program is certified 100% renewable energy by Green-e. Learn how your business can go green. bit.ly/2mwTiWB #espsdge
 Is your business looking to go green? SDG&E’s EcoChoice Program can help. bit.ly/2mwTiWB #espsdge
 Learn how you can purchase up to 100% renewable energy with SDG&E’s EcoChoice Program bit.ly/2mwTiWB #espsdge
Facebook posts
 Is your business looking to “go green”? SDG&E’s EcoChoice Program can help. Purchase up to 100% clean, renewable energy. sdge.com/ecochoice
 A smart approach to energy management begins with a comprehensive energy analysis. SDG&E’s Comprehensive Audit Program is a great place to start. Learn more: sdge.com/business/comprehensive-audit-program
 Implementing Energy Efficiency Projects in 2017? Sign up for one of @SDGE’s Energy Innovation Center seminars: sdge.com/training
Instagram Post

Purchase up to 100% renewable energy with SDG&E’s EcoChoice Program #espsdge #ecochoice