Published on 07/06/2022
5 ways to reduce your energy usage this summer
It's hot out, check out Sonoma County's list of all cooling centers available this week.
Cooking inside (unless you're cooking on induction) can heat up your home and cause your cooling system to have to work harder. Try grilling outside or use smaller appliances such as a microwave, pressure cooker, or toaster oven, which release less heat in your home and require less energy than a stove or oven.
Before turning on your air conditioning system, try cooling down by using fans. Fans use significantly less energy than air conditioning systems and can be an effective way to keep you comfortable during the hotter months. Remember to turn off a fan when leaving a room, as fans help keep you cool but don't cool the air itself.
Instead of using the dryer on warm days, hang up your clothes and let the sun do the work. The energy you’ll save from not using your dryer will add up and help to lower your electricity bill. Only washing full loads and using cold water will also help to reduce your laundry’s electricity costs.
On hot days, closing the curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows can help keep indoor temperatures down and reduce cooling costs. Opening windows at night, when possible, is another great way to cool down your home. Closing them in the morning, along with your blinds or curtains, will help retain the colder air inside all day.
During summer, try setting your thermostat 2-3 degrees higher than your typical setting (around 78 F degrees or higher, health permitting), and resist the urge to set your thermostat too low. Lowering the temperature too much can result in significant and unnecessary cooling expenses. If you go on vacation, remember to turn off your thermostat.
Reducing your electricity usage during certain times of the day can not only save you money, but can also help clean up California's grid! SCP’s GridSavvy Rewards offers customers a new way to earn rewards for saving energy during hours of high demand for electricity. Simply reduce electricity use when SCP notifies you and you’ll earn $2 for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you save. Learn more here.
You may be eligible for a reduced energy rate, bill payment assistance, financial support for home weatherization projects, or a payment forgiveness plan.
Financial assistance overview
Apply for CARE/FERA discount programs
Apply for Medical Baseline Program
Apply for a payment forgiveness plan
