SAN DIEGO (CNS) - San Diego Gas & Electric began an energy efficiency upgrade program Friday for renters and owners of single-family homes intended to help keep energy costs down.
The Residential Energy Solutions program allows participating customers to receive free products such as smart thermostats and HVAC services such as air duct testing and sealing. The program has no income restrictions.
The goal of the program is "to help customers better manage their energy use, lower heating and cooling costs and achieve zero net energy for their home," a statement from the utility company reads.
But one customer who spoke to ABC10News reporter Austin Grabish on Friday said the program won't help him.
"My building was recently built. It’s a LEED-certified building which means it’s already very electrically efficient. I don’t know we can improve the efficiency of the electricity usage beyond what’s already been done and so that’s why I say this program is sort of a joke to me," said Isaiah Glasoe.
Glasoe has been protesting recent sky-high bills from SDG&E and has started a boycott against the utility.
The boycott is encouraging customers not to pay their bills.
"If SDG&E really wanted to help San Diegans they'd lower their utility rates," Glasoe said adding his current monthly electricity bill is projected to be $220 for his apartment.
Natural gas prices up 146%
The program's announcement comes on the heels of California Governor Gavin Newsom asking for a federal investigation into record high utility bills.
The latest consumer price index for the past two months shows natural gas prices rose in San Diego by 146% while electricity costs rose almost 16%.
SDG&E spokesperson Candace Hadley said the utility is committed to being transparent and helping customers who are struggling.
“We recognize right now that our customers are still really hurting from their bills," she said.
She added in February SDG&E bills are projected to go down due to the utility securing gas at a much lower rate and a pipeline being restored.
Products and services offered in the new program include smart thermostats able to be controlled remotely, high-efficiency, brushless fan motor, efficient fan control and duct test and seal and low-flow faucet aerators, low-flow shower heads, pipe wrap and thermostat shower valves.
SDG&E has contracted with Synergy Companies to help administer the program. Customers can request an appointment for a home visit from an energy efficiency expert via Synergy's website or by calling 1-888-272-8394.
