SAN DIEGO, Aug. 25, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is offering the opportunity for prospective vendors and business interests to create and implement new and innovative energy-efficiency programs.
The utility is seeking bids for cost-effective energy-efficiency program proposals directed to small-business and residential customers. Winning bidders will receive some of the $50 million in funding available over three years to develop and implement their programs.
"Helping our customers manage their energy use is critical," said Patti Wagner, director of customer programs for SDG&E. "We want to enhance our portfolio of energy programs with additional fresh and diverse approaches to reducing gas and electricity usage."
Prospective bidders can submit proposals for any of the 9 energy-efficiency programs under broad categories such as energy education, green design, equipment exchange, and process-improvement programs. Each program is intended to consider a variety of electricity and natural gas energy-efficiency marketing or delivery methods, targeting market segments within SDG&E's service territory.
SDG&E filed with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) a proposal for a portfolio of energy-efficiency programs for 2006 through 2008. These programs support SDG&E's energy-efficiency goals by first implementing all cost-effective initiatives designed to reduce overall demand for electricity and natural gas. The programs currently are pending CPUC approval, expected in late September 2005.
To determine its portfolio of programs, SDG&E worked collaboratively with a Program Advisory Group, comprised of large-business customers, community leaders and individuals who provided feedback during public meetings. Getting public input was a new requirement included in a recent CPUC decision that put the utilities back in the role of administering energy-efficiency programs. At least 20 percent of the programs will be put out for competitive bid to be implemented by third parties.
To participate in the competitive bid process, interested parties can find information online at www.sdge.com/eecontracting. The first round of proposal submittals will be due Sept. 20, 2005, with contracts completed and implementation by January 2006.
SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.3 million consumers through 1.3 million electric meters and more than 800,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles. Exceptional customer service is a priority of SDG&E as it seeks to enhance the region's quality of life. SDG&E is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company. To learn more, go to www.sdge.com.