PG
&
amp;E offers efficiency tips
When operating a small business, every added expense can be the
difference between failure and success, so every penny counts.
Knowing this Pacific Gas
&
amp; Electric has energy savings plans that can help all sorts
of local, small businesses succeed.
Brian Lucas, owner of Off the Chain Inc. Bikes in Hollister is
very aware that implementing energy-saving lights and appliances
can make a difference.
PG&E offers efficiency tips
When operating a small business, every added expense can be the difference between failure and success, so every penny counts. Knowing this Pacific Gas & Electric has energy savings plans that can help all sorts of local, small businesses succeed.
Brian Lucas, owner of Off the Chain Inc. Bikes in Hollister is very aware that implementing energy-saving lights and appliances can make a difference.
“When we first got here three years ago, I changed out all the lights. Something even that simple can definitely make a difference,” Lucas said. “It’s not just lights. I also ride my bike as much as I can – biking saves energy, too. I’m a total believer in saving not wasting.”
One of the best ways that small businesses can save energy is the same application that saves residential users money in their homes – setting the thermostat to a constant temperature. According to PG&E Spokesperson Jeff Smith, the most effective thing is to set the thermostat to 68 degrees when people are at the business and not have the temperature any higher than 58 degrees when the office is not being used.
“One of the best ways businesses can save money is through the 10-10-20 program,” Smith said. “Beginning in January, if a residence or a business reduces their PG&E bill by 10 percent from what it was the previous year during the months of January and February, they are eligible for a 20 percent rebate during the month of March.”
Depending on the type of business, there are lots of options out there for how business can reduce their electricity costs, according to Smith.
From opening blinds to take advantage of more natural light to getting energy audits, where PG&E representatives come to a business and let the owners know how they can best take save on energy costs.
PG&E also has cash rebates and incentives available for implementing energy efficient technologies, whether a business is replacing old equipment with new energy-efficient technology, or just purchasing new energy-saving equipment.
Some of the popular technologies available through PG&E include agricultural products, such as heat curtains and infrared film for use in greenhouses and wine tank insulators.
There are a number of energy-saving appliances that can significantly reduce energy expenses, such as clothes washers and dishwashers. In the food service industry, there are also alternative commercial ice machines, gas or electric fryers and griddle ovens that can provide much-reduced energy costs.
“For example if you own a restaurant,” Smith said. “PG&E can come out and tell you what appliances consume the most electricity and recommend more energy-friendly models.”
The Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) energy watch program partnership is trying to get the word out about some of the programs available. It is aimed at providing programs directed to help residents and businesses reduce energy costs. One specific program is aimed directly at hotels and motels. This is a direct-install program, where representatives will go out to hotels and motels and meet with management to directly discuss installations that can be made, at no charge to save the hotels money. Such implementations could include installation of LED exit signs, and reduced energy vending machine controls.
AMBAG will be co-hosting their quarterly business breakfast, Eggs and Issues Thursday, Jan. 11, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. The cost of the breakfast is $30. The focus of the breakfast will be how AMBAG’s energy reduction program can save businesses and residences money through energy reduction. Downloadable registration is available at www.mcbc.biz.
