Health & Fitness
Small business energy-saving choices add up
Local small businesses are saving money through SDG&E's energy efficiency programs.
Hear small-business owners and operators share how they reduced energy expenses in two new videos.
"A huge asset"
Eastlake Tavern+Bowl invites customers to "let the good times roll," but owner Dan Hurd doesn't relax when it comes to minding the shop.
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"This is a business of nickels and dimes," he said. "Utilities really are a big line item and energy efficiency is important just for the bottom line of saving money."
Hurd started with the Direct Install program and an on-site inspection by SDG&E. This led to rebates and incentives totaling $10,255 toward energy-efficiency upgrades at the Chula Vista sports tavern and bowling alley, including new light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a freezer door shield, walk-in screens and door sealants. He's saving more than 100,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh), or about $15,000, per year.
Find out what's happening in Rancho Bernardo-4s Ranchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"My advice to other business owners would be to really look at the numbers," Hurd said. "It makes financial sense. We're saving money month after month and SDG&E has been a huge asset for us."
"Great benefits"
Gabriel Camacho, general manager of two restaurants at Seaport Village, agrees: "There are great benefits for any business owner to call SDG&E and ask for a site overview."
Camacho estimates savings of 25 to 30 percent on his monthly energy bills for Margaritas Kitchen and San Diego Burger Co. through SDG&E's Direct Install program. Qualifying businesses receive a free energy consultation and select energy-efficiency retrofits. At Camacho's restaurants, SDG&E's contracted specialist replaced older lighting with new LEDs, cleaned condensers on refrigerators and freezers, and checked all the gaskets on his appliances. He also received $2,000 in SDG&E incentives that offset the cost of additional energy-efficiency upgrades. Altogether, he's saving more than 7,500 kWh, or about $1,375, per year.
A neighboring restaurant owner, Melissa Moore, liked what she saw and got similar results. Through SDG&E's Direct Install program, her Greek Islands Café and Asaggio Pizza tallied combined savings of more than 6,500 kWh, or about $1,185, per year.
