SoCalGas recently submitted its proposed energy efficiency strategy to the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC), in support of the state’s clean energy goals. SoCalGas’ Energy Efficiency Business Plan for 2024-2027 aims to increase energy affordability for customers, expand access to cleaner renewable solutions and invest in long-term solutions to reach carbon neutrality. Earlier this year, we released our ASPIRE 2045 sustainability strategy in support of our goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045. ASPIRE 2045 also includes a target of exceeding California’s energy efficiency goals by 25% or more each year.
The proposed plan will offer more than 40 energy efficiency programs to our residential, small business and commercial customers, with projected savings of nearly $630 million in customer benefits such as bill savings, avoided costs and more. The four-year plan has a projected total reduction of 11 million metric tons of CO2e, equivalent to removing 2.5 million vehicles from California roads for a year.
“Our four-year energy efficiency proposal is a comprehensive plan to support our net-zero goals through new or improved energy efficiency solutions that will allow for greater system reliability, affordability and sustainability,” said Brian Prusnek, director of SoCalGas customer programs and assistance at SoCalGas. “Our energy efficiency initiatives will continue to reflect the commitment we’ve made towards the communities we serve, our environment and the state’s clean energy goals.”
SoCalGas’ Energy Efficiency Business Plan for 2024-2027 focuses on three overarching principles:
• Energy Affordability: SoCalGas aims to increase access to clean and affordable energy for all customers through energy efficiency solutions, focusing specifically on addressing inequity in disadvantaged communities.
• Environmental Responsibility: SoCalGas is striving for a sustainable future for customers, the company and the communities we serve. The plan will invest in developing new energy efficiency programs and improving existing programs to accelerate decarbonization and achieve the company’s net-zero goal.
• Building Strong Foundations: SoCalGas plans for long-term investments in education, training, and outreach to build successful market partnerships to help accelerate energy efficiency adoption.
The CPUC regulates ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programs and works with the investor-owned utilities (IOU), other program administrators, and vendors to develop programs and measures to transform technology markets within California. Each IOU is required to file new energy efficiency program applications in February 2022 that will take effect by January 2024. Energy efficiency plans are required to be submitted for renewals every four years.
SoCalGas' energy efficiency programs have been serving as an industry leader for more than a decade. In the last five years, SoCalGas' energy efficiency programs have saved customers over $250 million on their natural gas bills and $1 billion in avoided energy costs. The energy savings are equivalent to reducing over 1.2 million metric tons of CO2e. The energy saved is enough to power 145,000 households for one year.
