Tips for Conserving Energy at Home
When the weather gets hotter or colder, do you notice changes in your energy bill? CleanPowerSF is here to help you understand why and provide you with easy actions to lower your bill that you can start today!
For more information on your electricity bill, check out our Understanding My Bill or Understanding My NEM Bill.
8 Actions you can take to reduce your energy bill
Check The Hour Before Using Power
1. Most electricity ratepayers in California pay higher rates during the peak hours of 4-9pm (this is called a Time of Use Rate). During that time window, energy demand is high and there’s less wind and solar power available.
Do high-energy activities like running the dishwasher, doing laundry, or charging electronics before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., electricity rates are higher.
Keep it Cool
2. Keep your water heater at 120°F. This setting can help you save up to 22% of energy spent on water heating annually (actual savings vary by household).
3. Wash full loads of laundry and switch your temperature setting from hot to warm or cold. Most of the energy consumed for washing clothes is used to heat the water.
4. Set your fridge to 38°F. The refrigerator typically consumes the most energy of all kitchen appliances.
Use Smaller Appliances
5. Cook using your stove, microwave, or outside grill instead of your oven. Small appliances use less energy than a conventional oven.
6. Plug home electronics (such as televisions, game consoles, and standby coffee makers) into power strips and turn off power strips when equipment is not in use. These items continue to use electricity if they’re plugged in.
7. Use fans or space heaters periodically for small rooms instead of a central thermostat. Don’t forget to turn off these devices before you leave a room!
Use More Efficient Appliances
8. Replace your gas heater with an electric one, which uses significantly less energy to heat water than natural gas! Learn more about our rebate program for all-electric heat pump water heaters.
Hot Weather Tips
Summer has arrived, bringing endless opportunities for sun-soaked enjoyment! However, it's important to be mindful of the scorching weather, as it can swiftly turn from delightful to perilous. Extreme heat poses a serious risk to life, which is why it's crucial to understand its implications and take necessary precautions to safeguard yourself.
What Can I Do?
You can do your part by conserving energy, especially between the hours of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. This is the most critical time to conserve when temperatures remain high and solar production falls due to the setting sun.
Between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., consumers should try to:
Set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees, if health permits
Defer use of major appliances
Turn off unnecessary lights
Unplug unused electricity devices
Close blinds and drapes
Use fans when possible
Limit time the refrigerator door is open
To prepare for the afternoon, CleanPowerSF customers can:
“Pre-cool” their homes, or lower air conditioning thermostats to 72 degrees
Charge electric vehicles
Charge mobile devices and laptops
Run dishwashers, washing machines or other major appliances
For more ways to save, visit Flex Alert.
Savings & Rebates
Lower My Bill
From monthly discounts to flexible payment options, we’re here to help you save on your electricity bill. Learn more at our Lower My Bill page.
Go Electric
As a CleanPowerSF customer, you already power your business with clean energy from wind and solar. Did you know you can take it the next step by replacing your gas appliances with clean, safe, and efficient electric appliances? Learn about tax credits, rebates, incentives, and reasons at Electric Made Easy.