Article 1: MAKE A POWER SAVE THIS SUMMER
Did you know?…
Demand on our energy grid is usually the highest between the hours of 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. If you can use less energy between these hours, with a little planning and some simple adjustments, you can make better use of cleaner, renewable energy sources when it’s more abundant. That’s good for California’s power grid and for you. If you’re on a Time-of-Use plan, you can save by shifting some energy use outside the hours when demand for energy drives up the cost.
Take our quick 5-minute Home Energy Survey on sdge.com/survey to see where your electricity is going and get a plan to help you save. Even little changes can make a difference.
For more energy and money-saving tips please visit sdge.com/summer.
Article 2: CONSIDERING PURCHASING A BACKUP POWER SOURCE?
We all rely on electricity for everyday life. That’s why it’s important to have an emergency plan in place before a power outage occurs. As part of your plan, you may want to consider adding a backup power source like a generator or portable power station.
A backup electric generator can be valuable when the power goes out. Backup electric generators aren’t connected to SDG&E’s power grid. This means that, in the event of an outage, a backup generator can turn the lights back on, keep appliances running and power essential equipment and electronic devices.
There are two types of generators:
- Portable generators provide temporary power for basic needs. They can range in price from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000. It is very important to determine what size generator you’ll need and how to operate it safely before running it for the first time.
- Permanent standby generators are bigger and better equipped to power larger structures, such as an entire home, if sized properly. When a power outage occurs, they turn on automatically and turn off when power is restored. These generators require professional installation from a licensed electrician.
Find out whether you need one for your home, how to shop for the right generator and how to use it properly to avoid risking you and your family’s safety. Here are a few things to think about before purchasing backup power:
Your Energy Needs — What are the critical appliances you’ll need during an outage? Are you dependent on a medical device or have special heating or cooling needs? Evaluating your energy needs is an important first step in choosing the right generator.
Fuel Preferences — Gasoline, propane, solar with backup storage? There are many factors to consider when choosing the right type of fuel including accessibility, affordability, environmental concerns and the space available for secure generator storage.
Installation Requirements — A permanent standby generator, or rechargeable home battery system should be installed by a qualified professional, like a licensed contractor.
Remember — While a backup power source can be helpful during a power outage, it can also pose safety hazards when not used correctly. If using a fuel-burning generator, be sure it is positioned outside, away from your home and with proper ventilation. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly.
For electric generator safety tips, visit sdge.com/generator.
Article 3: NEED HELP WITH YOUR ENERGY BILL?
You may qualify for a bill discount or home improvements. SDG&E’s assistance programs can help you lower your energy use and/or monthly energy bill while keeping your home comfortable.
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program: Save 30% or more every month on your energy bill. Find out if you qualify at sdge.com/CARE.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program: If you don’t qualify for CARE and your household has 3 or more people, you may qualify for FERA. You could receive an 18% discount on your electric bill. Visit sdge.com/FERA for more information.
Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program: You may qualify to receive no-cost, energy-saving improvements for your home, such as new appliances, furnace repair, lighting, insulation and more. Find details at sdge.com/ESAP.
If you’re behind on your SDG&E bill, you may qualify for financial assistance. Learn more at sdge.com/AMP.
Online applications are easy, fast and convenient. To learn more about SDG&E’s assistance programs, visit sdge.com/assistance.
Article 3 (translated): ¿Necesita ayuda con su FACTURA de energía?
Usted puede calificar para un descuento en su factura o mejoras en el hogar. Los programas de asistencia de SDG&E ayudan a reducir su factura mensual de energía mientras mantiene su hogar cómodo.
Programa de Tarifas Alternativas de Energía de California (CARE, por sus siglas en inglés): Ahorre un 30% o más cada mes en su factura. Averigüe si califica en sdge.com/CARE.
Programa de Asistencia de Tarifa Eléctrica Familiar (FERA, por sus siglas en inglés): Si no califica para el programa de CARE y su hogar tiene 3 o más personas, puede calificar para FERA. Podría recibir un 18% de descuento en su factura de electricidad. Visite sdge.com/FERA para obtener más información.
Programa de Asistencia para el Ahorro de Energía (ESA, por sus siglas en inglés): Puede calificar para recibir mejoras gratuitas para el ahorro de energía en su hogar, tales como electrodomésticos nuevos, reparación de hornos, iluminación, aislamiento y más. Encuentre los detalles en sdge.com/ESAP.
Las aplicaciones en línea son fáciles, rápidas y convenientes. Para obtener más información, visite sdge.com/asistencia.
Article 4: HOW REDISTRICTING AFFECTS YOU
One of the greatest powers that the people of California have is to elect their own representatives to conduct the business of their government. How the district boundaries are configured can make the difference between empowering and maximizing voters’ voices or minimizing and muting those voices. The independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission (“Commission”) is committed to drawing fair districts that reflect the best interests of the people, not the incumbent politicians.
Speaking up about your community is critical to ensuring district lines are drawn to keep your community whole to the extent possible and grouped with nearby communities with similar interests. This ensures that your voice is heard by your elected leaders when making such decisions as the quality and funding of your children’s education or determining your tax rates.
Article 4 (translated): CÓMO LE AFECTA LA REDISTRITACIÓN
Uno de los mayores poderes que tienen los residentes de California es elegir a sus propios representantes para llevar a cabo los negocios de su gobierno. La forma en que se configuran los límites de los distritos puede marcar la diferencia entre empoderar y maximizar las voces de los votantes o minimizar y silenciar esas voces. La independiente Comisión Ciudadana de Redistritación de California (“Comisión”) está comprometida a trazar distritos justos que reflejen los mejores intereses de la gente, no de los políticos titulares. Hablar sobre su comunidad es fundamental para garantizar el trazado de líneas de distrito de manera que su comunidad se quede completa, si es posible, y agrupada con comunidades cercanas con intereses similares. Esto asegura que su voz sea escuchada por sus líderes electos al tomar decisiones tales como la calidad y el financiamiento de la educación de sus hijos o al determinar sus tasas de impuestos.