How to Keep Your Energy Bill Down During Summer in California — No Matter Your Utility Provider

When California heats up, so can your energy bill; however, whether you're in the Central Valley, Los Angeles, San Diego, the Coachella Valley, Sacramento or the Bay Area, there are smart, simple ways to stay cool without hurting your wallet. The key is learning and knowing how to use your energy wisely and taking advantage of the programs your utility offers.

Here's how to keep your summer energy costs down, with specific tips for customers of PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, LADWP, and IID:

1. Set Your Thermostat to Save

• Set your thermostat to 78°F when home and higher when away.
  
  
• Use smart or programmable thermostats to automatically adjust temperatures and lower your energy consumption during peak hours of the day.
  
  
• PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E offer rebates or discounts on eligible smart thermostats.
  
  

IID offers incentives for smart thermostats and other cooling upgrades through their All Weather Energy Savings Program.

2. Keep the Heat Out

• Close blinds and curtains during the day to block out direct sunlight.
  
  
• Use thermal curtains to lower heat gain from the sun.
  
  
• LADWP offers rebates on energy-efficient window treatments with their Consumer Rebate Program.
  
  
• IID has weatherization programs for income-qualified customers to improve insulation and sealing through their All Weather Energy Savings Program.
  

3. Shift Energy Use to Off-Peak Hours

• Most utilities in California now use Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing. What this means is that you’ll save by using energy during off-peak hours.

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• PG&E: Peak hours 4-9 PM.
  
  
• SCE: Peak hours 4-9 PM or 5-8 PM, depending on your rate plan.
  
  
• SDG&E: Peak hours 4-9 PM.
  
  
• LADWP: Offers TOU rates for qualifying customers.
  
  
• IID: Peak hours 4-9 PM.
  
  

Tip: Run dishwashers, laundry, and other major appliances after 9 PM in the evening.

4. Use Fans and Ventilation

• Ceiling fans help rooms feel up to 4°F cooler and use a fraction of the energy compared to an air conditioner.
• Place box or oscillating fans near windows at night to draw in cooler air.
  
  
• PG&E and LADWP offer rebates for ENERGY STAR fans.
  

5. Take Advantage of Utility Programs & Rebates

PG&E

• Offers rebates on energy-efficient appliances, A/C units, and more.
  
  
• Visit pge.com/rebates.
  
  

SCE

• Provides rebates for heat pump water heaters, central A/C upgrades, and Home Energy Efficiency Surveys.
  
  
• Learn more at sce.com/rebates.
  
  

SDG&E

• Synergy partners with SDG&E to offer no-cost home energy assessments, weatherization help, and appliance rebates.
  
  
• Visit sdge.com/rebates.
  
  

LADWP

• Provides generous rebates for window A/C units, cool roofs, insulation, and thermostats.
  
  
• Learn more at ladwp.com/save.
  
  

IID

• Synergy partners with IID and offers rebates for HVAC tune-ups and other upgrades.

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• Visit http://iid.com/customer-service/save-energy-and-money.

No Cost Programs

• If you would like a list of No Cost Programs, discover more no-cost upgrades for your home here.

6. Unplug and Upgrade

• Unplug devices or use a smart power strip to eliminate “phantom energy” use or energy that is not in use.
  
  
• Upgrade to ENERGY STAR appliances—they use up to 50% less energy.
  
  
• Most utility companies offer rebates or financing for qualifying upgrades.

7. Stay Cool Without Cranking the A/C

• Consider a whole house fan. A whole house fan can cut your cooling bill by 90%

• Visit public cooling centers, libraries, or malls during extreme heat waves.

BONUS: Income-Qualified Programs for Even More Savings

• CARE and FERA Discounts: All major utilities offer monthly bill discounts (20-35%) to income-qualified households.
  
  
• Energy Savings Assistance Programs (ESAP): This program offers no-cost home upgrades like insulation, efficient lighting, appliance replacement, and more.
  
  
• Medical Baseline Programs: Offer extra energy at lower rates for customers with qualifying medical needs.
  
  

Apply directly through your utility’s website or call their customer service line. You can also check out for more upgrades with our No Cost Programs partnering with local utility companies.

Stay Cool and Save This Summer

With a little planning and by taking full advantage of what your utility has to offer, you can keep your home comfortable and your energy bills low, even in the peak of a California summer.

Want help figuring out which program is right for you? Call Synergy Companies at 1-800-818-4298 or for more information, visit our No Cost Programs.