SAN DIEGO, Nov. 05, 2009 – ‘Tis the season for energy efficiency!  San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is once again offering complimentary light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) to customers throughout San Diego County during this year’s annual LED Holiday Light Exchanges.  Along with new holiday lights, customers will receive a no-cost Home Energy & Water Savings Kit in an eco-friendly reusable shopping bag!  The kit includes a low-flow showerhead and three faucet aerators.     

        SDG&E and its community partners are hosting eight light exchanges throughout San Diego County, ringing in energy savings and increased safety for the holiday season.  The exchange events will span from Oceanside to Chula Vista.  SDG&E customers will be able to exchange up to three incandescent holiday light strands for multi-colored LED holiday light strands by simply presenting a copy of their current SDG&E bill or bringing their California ID.

        “We are looking forward to helping our customers stay energy-efficient during the upcoming holiday season,” said Mark Gaines, director of customer programs for SDG&E.  “During last year’s holiday lights program in San Diego County we exchanged 5,757 LED light strands for 2,500 energy-conscious SDG&E customers.  That is an increase of 31 percent from 4,000 LEDs exchanged in 2007!”

        LED holiday lights can save customers energy and money, when compared to traditional incandescent holiday lights.  They cost up to 90 percent less to run, are cool to the touch, reduce fire risk, and are safer for use both inside and outside the home.  LED lights also shine brighter and last up to 100 times longer than incandescent holiday lights.

        SDG&E is putting on nine light exchanges in their service territory with the first beginning on Nov. 14 in Coronado, and the final taking place on December 5, at the 32nd annual December Nights in Balboa Park.  SDG&E will have booths set up for SDG&E customers to attend and exchange their lights.  The complete schedule includes:

        • Coronado LED Holiday Light Exchange
        Sat., Nov. 14, 2009 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
        City Hall Complex, 1825 Strand Way, Coronado

        • Oceanside LED Holiday Light Exchange
        Thur., Nov. 19, 2009 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
        Oceanside Sunset Market, Pier View Way and Tremont Street

        • El Cajon LED Holiday Light Exchange
        Sat., Nov. 21, 2009 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
        Water Conservation Garden, 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr., El Cajon

        • Seaport Village LED Holiday Light Exchange
        Sat. Nov. 28, 2009 – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
        Seaport Village, East Plaza Gazebo, downtown San Diego
        (Surfing Santa arrives at 1 p.m.)

        • Vista LED Holiday Light Exchange
        Sat., Nov. 28, 2009 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
        Rancho Christmas: Rancho Guajome Adobe County Park
        2210 North Santa Fe Ave., Vista

        • San Diego LED Holiday Light Exchange
        Fri., Dec, 4, 2009 – 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
        Sat., Dec. 5, 2009 – noon to 10 p.m.
        December Nights, Balboa Park, in front of The Prado

        • Chula Vista LED Holiday Light Exchange
        Sat., Dec. 5, 2009 – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
        Memorial Park (before Starlight Parade)
        Park Way and 4th Ave, Chula Vista

        To learn more about the SDG&E LED Holiday Light Exchanges in San Diego County please visit www.sdge.com/LEDs.

        SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and more than 840,000 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 subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.  

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