Pres. Alison presenting a speaker gift book to be donated to Abraxas High School by Carolyn Ortiz

Carolyn Ortiz, Energy Solutions Advisor from San Diego Gas & Electric (“SDGE”), visited RB Sunrise Rotary on Tuesday, May 24, 2016.  She spoke about upcoming rate changes and customer solutions to make their homes more energy efficient and save money.

 

Carolyn explained that for 14 years, there were four rate tiers, depending on usage, with tiers 1 and 2, at the lowest. These lower rate tiers were not paying their fair share of associated costs for energy transmisson.  Tiers 3 and 4, on the other hand, were not only paying the highest rates but also subsidizing the lower two rates.

 

In September 2015, there was the current three-tier structure introduced, with a two-tiered system scheduled to begin April 2016.  However, it has been put on hold until approximately the end of the year.  When it goes into effect, tier 1, the lower paying customers, will see an increase of approximately $1-$7 in their monthly bills, and customers in tier 2 should see an approximate $5-$7 decrease in their monthly bills.

 

Carolyn spoke about different solutions all customers could do to lower their bills, including SDGE energy-saving assistance programs, technology solutions in purchasing energy-efficient appliances and thermostats, and other online solutions. SDG&E also has available for a short time free, thermostats that can be programmed by using a tablet or smartphone.