San Diego CA— As an extended heat wave enters the region and blankets the Southwest, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is offering tips to help local residents keep their home cool while also saving on their energy bill.

Tips to Stay Cool

• Take the heat out of the kitchen by cooking outside.
• Opt for recipes that don’t require the oven or stove which can raise the temperature by 10 degrees.
• Use a ceiling or portable fan instead of an air conditioner when possible.
• Run the AC early in the morning to pre-cool your home.
• Close blinds, shades or drapes to block out the sun’s heat.

Tips to Save on Energy Bill

• Check pricing plan options: Being on the right energy plan can add up to real savings on energy bills. Visit sdge.com/MyAccount for all energy plan options.
• Whenever possible, run large appliances, such as washers and dryers in the morning or late at night to avoid on-peak pricing between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Energy demand peaks during those hours and so does the cost of electricity.
• Replace dirty air filters as they make the air conditioner work harder – use more energy – to circulate air.
• Switch off electronic devices such as computers and gaming consoles when not in use. Electronics in standby mode still draw power. Use a power strip to power down devices and appliances at one time.

Payment Assistance Programs

For those who are struggling to pay their energy bill, a variety of payment assistance programs is available. More information is available at sdge.com/assistance.
SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.