From SDG&E
April 2009

You’ll soon have a new tool that can help you gain better control of your energy use and costs. SDG&E® will replace 1.4 million electric meters with smart meters and upgrade 900,000 natural gas meters from March 2009 to December 2011. SDG&E’s smart-meter initiative is part of California’s Energy Action Plan, a statewide roadmap for achieving a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy future.

What are Smart Meters?

Smart meters are digital devices that collect and communicate your energy-use data regularly throughout the day to SDG&E. Eventually, you’ll be able to monitor your energy use daily via the Internet instead of waiting for a monthly recap on your bill. You’ll be able to track your home energy use hourly and business energy use every 15 minutes. Knowing when you use energy can help you save it, which also helps the environment by preserving natural resources.

“We’re using smart-meter technology to develop improved service options for customers, including new ways to save energy, save money and add convenience to everyday life,” says Debra Reed, SDG&E president and chief executive officer. “In the future, for example, smart meters may allow you to earn bill credits for conserving power at peak-use times.”

Smart meters already serve about 7,200 large businesses in SDG&E’s service area. To prepare for installations regionwide, SDG&E tested the smart-meter technology at selected homes and businesses in the Tierrasanta community last year.

SDG&E will notify you by mail a few weeks before technicians arrive to install your smart meter. To learn more about smart meters, visit www.sdge.com/smartmeter or call 1-800-336-7343.

Want to manage your account electronically?

Later this year you’ll be able to view your energy use information online. To prepare, sign up for My Account, SDG&E’s personalized online account management service available at www.sdge.com/myaccount. Have your account number handy