Redwood City, PG&E Take the Step Up and Power Down Commitment to Save Energy, Water and Money

By Ari Vanrenen & Nick Smith

Frank Salguero, Peninsula Division senior manager for PG&E

Redwood City and PG&E joined forces this week to help residents of this San Mateo County city reduce energy and water use at home, save on their bills and help the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

joined forces this week to help residents of this San Mateo County city reduce energy and water use at home, save on their bills and help the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

joined forces this week to help residents of this San Mateo County city reduce energy and water use at home, save on their bills and help the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Extending through 2015, the Step Up and Power Down community initiative has the goal of engaging at least 750 households in Redwood City through local events and door-to-door campaigns to connect residents to PG&E’s energy-saving programs such as Home Energy Checkup, appliance rebates and tips for saving during the drought.

Redwood City and PG&E launched the initiative on Wednesday (June 17) with a public event at the Redwood City Public Library. Representatives of the city, PG&E and the local Step Up and Power Down team joined the event along with community leaders and residents.

Kids and finger paint – it doesn’t get any better than that! Redwood City residents come out to celebrate the launch of Step Up and Power Down with an art project. Wednesday, June 17

Attendees kicked-off the new Step Up and Power Down initiative by taking a pledge to publicly commit to energy saving actions.

“The Step Up and Power Down initiative is a great way to engage our community around energy efficiency and our goals as a city through Redwood City’s Climate Action Plan,” said Dr. Bob Bell, city manager for Redwood City.

Step Up and Power Down is one way that PG&E is encouraging energy savings to support California’s ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.

“PG&E is committed to helping our customers save energy throughout our service area,” said Frank Salguero, Peninsula Division senior manager for PG&E. “This initiative is just one more way we are working to reach out to our local communities and really focus on energy savings programs that will help Redwood City and its residents meet their climate protection goals.”

This is the team that helped to lead the way!
Redwood City residents come out to celebrate the launch of Step Up and Power Down with an art project. Wednesday, June 17

Everyone can benefit from making choices that reduce energy waste at home. Some actions require time and money, but many benefits can be achieved through no- and low-cost energy actions.

No-cost options

• Create a PG&E My Energy online account to view your hourly electric and daily gas use. While you’re there, take the PG&E Home Energy Checkup to create a customized plan to save energy.
• Set your furnace thermostat at 68 degrees or lower and air conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees or higher. Three to 5 percent more energy is used for each degree above or below these settings, respectively.

Low-cost options

• LEDs use 75 percent less energy and last six times longer than traditional lighting. Look for our instant rebate stickers in stores to save money each time you purchase bulbs.
• Look for an Energy Star Most Efficient clothes washer model to save on energy and water costs. PG&E is offering a rebate worth up to $150.

Additional options

• Work with a participating contractor to combine multiple home improvements — air conditioning, furnace, insulation, air sealing, or windows — to maximize your energy savings through Energy Upgrade California Home Upgrade and receive up to a $6,500 rebate.
• Regular maintenance of your air conditioning system will improve its efficiency and extend its life. Receive up to $975 in rebates to help offset the cost.