sfenvironment.org

Energy Conservation and Efficiency

It's simple: The key to energy efficiency is installing more efficient appliances and equipment, and energy conservation involves energy management practices like turning off equipment when it's not in use. The consistent practice of both will reduce the electricity and gas used by homes and businesses, and decrease the need for more fossil-fueled power plants.

To promote the efficient use of energy, the Environmental Justice program has awarded grants to projects that have saved over 1.6 million kilowatt-hours through efficiency projects that included replacing old refrigerators with new, more efficient units and insulating homes to prevent unwanted air leaks. Meanwhile, the Department of the Environment's Energy team has operated successful programs that have reduced peak demand for power by 18 megawatts. By retrofitting the lighting systems in over 4,000 small businesses, the Power Savers Program saved 6 megawatts-enough electricity to power 45,000 households-and our Peak Energy Program has saved over 12 megawatts by retrofitting residential and commercial buildings.