Q: What does energy efficiency mean?
A: Energy efficiency is using less energy to accomplish the same results. For example, a new ENERGY STAR® refrigerator performs the same function as a standard model of the same size, and compact fluorescent light bulbs provide similar light as incandescent bulbs.
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Q: How do I become more energy efficient?
A: There are many ways to become energy efficient. By taking steps such as replacing appliances and equipment with more energy-efficient models, adding automatic or manual energy controls like occupancy sensors on lights, or improving the insulation value of a building, you will reduce your need for energy and pay less on your utility bill.
Businesses and multifamily property owners or managers can reduce their utility cost and save energy by participating in the San Francisco Energy Watch Program. Through this program, businesses take advantage of a free on-site assessment to identify energy savings and expert installation of energy-saving equipment at greatly reduced cost. Energy efficiency products available to businesses include: lighting, refrigeration, HVAC, food service equipment, and computers. For more information, contact us or call the San Francisco Energy Watch hotline at 415.355.3769.
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Q: What's included in the San Francisco Energy Watch Program?
A: A program project manager can assist you in identifying and quantifying energy efficiency opportunities. As a business owner or multifamily property owner, you will receive an energy audit, a report outlining identified efficiency opportunities, qualifying financial incentives, and estimated utility savings. In some cases, project managers will work directly with contractors to assist you in obtaining bids and calculating project payback. If you install, you may elect to use a preferred contractor, a contractor of your choosing, or in-house resources. Program staff will assist you with application paperwork and will conduct a post-installation inspection to make sure you are satisfied with the services provided.
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Q: What is an energy audit?
A: An energy audit, also called an energy assessment or energy survey, is a process that identifies how energy is being used throughout your property. An audit can help determine opportunities for efficiency improvements.
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Q: Who is participating in the San Francisco Energy Watch program?
A: A wide range of business types, nonprofits, and multifamily properties are participating in the program. Some examples include restaurants, markets, offices, storage facilities, warehouses, distributors, schools, and colleges/universities, medical clinics, retail stores, recreation facilities, and health clubs. Only San Francisco-based PG&E customers qualify for participation in the San Francisco Energy Watch Program.
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Q: Can I participate in the San Francisco Energy Watch program as a contractor?
A: Qualified contractors can enroll in the San Francisco Energy Watch program. Contractors are provided with financial incentives to encourage them to install high-efficiency products and help make the sale by offsetting a portion of the customer's cost. Contact us to learn more about the benefits of becoming a preferred contractor.
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Q: What is the relationship between the environment and energy consumption?
A: Buildings and facilities generate about 50 percent of San Francisco's total greenhouse gas emissions. These gases are created by the combustion of fossil fuels in electric power plants and in gas appliances in homes and businesses. The increasing energy consumption correlates with the rapid formation and concentration of these gases, which in turn contribute to climate change and environmental degradation. The City of San Francisco is vulnerable to climate change due to its location between the coast and the bay. Higher temperatures affect local natural ecosystems, sea levels, and air quality. By participating in the San Francisco Energy Watch program, businesses can do their part to protect the environment, future generations, and reduce energy costs.
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Q: How much money can I really save by upgrading the lighting in my business?
A: Depending on your business type, replacing your lighting and installing lighting controls can reduce your utility bill significantly. For instance, you can save up to 35 percent of your energy use by replacing your T12 linear fluorescent lamps and magnetic ballasts with T8 linear fluorescent lamps and electronic ballasts. In addition, low-wattage T8 fluorescent lamps can save an additional 20 percent on energy costs. A single compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) can last 10 times longer than a regular incandescent bulb and use 66 to 75 percent less energy. LED illumination can reduce about 50 percent of the energy consumption from typical fluorescent lighting in lighting refrigerated areas in a supermarket. Pulse-start metal halide lamps with electronic ballasts are up to 30 percent more energy efficient than non pulse-start metal halides. No matter what type of lighting measure you have in your business, you can likely reduce costs and conserve energy.
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Q: Is there any financial help for people who can't afford to invest in energy efficiency?
A: Yes. The San Francisco Energy Watch program provides financial incentives that can lower the installation cost of energy-efficient equipment. Optimizing the energy efficiency of your business will reduce your energy consumption and consequently your energy cost. A project manager can conduct a free energy assessment to determine the potential energy savings in your business or multifamily property. A report is then generated indicating efficiency opportunities at the site, qualifying program incentives and savings estimates. The owner either contacts participating program contractors to obtain bids, or if self-installed, applies directly to the program for incentives and begins installation.
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Q: English is not my first language. Is there information available about the program in other languages?
A: Yes. You can find information about this program online in Chinese or Spanish. You can also call the San Francisco Energy Watch hotline at 415.355.3769 to talk to a bilingual staff member or hear information in Chinese or Spanish.
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