New Devices Help Residents Control Energy Use

San Diego Gas & Electric is spreading the word about nine new home area network devices available for purchase that provide customers with information on how much energy their home or business is using in near real-time.

The devices could help identify high-energy use appliances, SDG&E officials wrote in a news release.

SDG&E customers are eligible for exclusive discounts on each device, officials wrote.

The new devices allow customers to view their energy use on a smartphone app or on their computer. SDG&E recommends customers visit their website for a complete list of validated devices available. The site includes an overview of the easy process to connect a device to their electric smart meter.

The devices can help residents determine how much energy some appliances in their home are using, such as a second refrigerator or outdoor patio light.

“Turning these appliances on and off, while watching the kilowatts and estimated cost per hour go up or down, provides instant insight into their home’s energy use,” officials wrote. “With the internet-enabled programmable communicating thermostats, customers can now take greater control over one of the highest energy-use appliances, their heating and air conditioning system. These thermostats feature easy programming and remote access control via smart phone apps and web portals.”

“We are pleased to provide access to a variety of new types of home area network devices for our customers, allowing even more choice, convenience and control over their energy use,” Caroline Winn, SDG&E’s vice president of customer services said through a written statement. “The available discounts make it even easier for our customers to get a jump-start on identifying high energy use appliances and taking action to lower their bills.”

Customers who purchase and install home area network devices are eligible to receive a higher bill credit on Reduce Your Use days, officials wrote

Customers can start the process of connecting what the utility calls HAN device to their smart meter by completing the online form at the website or by contacting SDG&E’s Energy Savings Center at (800) 644-6133 or HomeAreaNetwork@semprautilities.com.