Over the years, we have discussed so many different types of technology here in Technology Tuesdays and instead of talking about those items in a vacuum, sometimes it is good to revisit them and reflect on what their role is in the bigger picture. What is this bigger picture, you ask? 

One thing I can’t help but recognize and call attention to is how far we have come with LED lighting technology, especially with regard to Christmas lights. I can recall the old oversized, colorful, incandescent bulbs people used to adorn their homes with. Now we are in an era where there are not only LED versions of those lights for people with nostalgia but a whole host of new lighting options. 

Our 2023 SJVCEO Gift Guide has arrived! This year we gathered quite a few items that are sure to not only fit perfectly under your tree but also bring all the joy to your family and friends!

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness.  I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art—write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can.  And I hope somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.

While we wrap up “Clean Cooking,” we wanted to share the pros, cons, and everything we experienced with our loaner induction cooktops from PG&E. While there may have been a bit of an adjustment period, we were so excited to learn more about how to implement electrification measures in our own homes.

Well, let’s get this right out of the way: the quickest way to tea—regardless of your fuel source—does not involve a 10-year-old or a dog. It definitely does not include both.  Everyone was all excited to help with filming until they realized it was watching water boil!  So, if you remove the external chaos factors, an induction cooktop gets you to your teatime a smidge faster than gas.

Whether you are a PG&E or SCE customer, you can give an induction cooktop a try! Both utilities offer an “Induction Loaner/Lending Program” that allows you to test run your cooking skills with an induction cooktop

So, in this article, we'll explore and rate some of the best induction cookware sets available in the market, taking into consideration factors such as performance, durability, and overall value.

The SJVCEO is no stranger to “Clean Cooking.” In fact, this time last year, we published an entire Technology Tuesday series covering all different avenues of energy efficient/clean cooking. We wanted to revisit this series in celebration, learn more below!

Do you have cutting boards for specific purposes? Do you store your apples on the counter or in the fridge? Do you use natural gas, or electric, or induction cooktops? Or are you super weird like my stepdad and everything gets cooked in the sous-vide machine?

Do you even care?

The goal of EE Day is not just to raise awareness broadly, but to make specific calls to action across all sectors and customer types. It’s the opportunity to for local governments to publicly commit themselves to energy efficiency through proclamations, for stakeholders to get media toolkits and social posts, and for customers to learn more about how they can save money, cut pollution, and create jobs

In Case You Missed It: October is #EnergyEfficiency month! And there’s no better way to celebrate than with our own communities! The SJVCEO was all across Kings and Tulare counties last week attending community events, sharing utility program information with residents, and connecting with our county libraries.

We are back y’all! The SJVCEO has partnered with PG&E once again to launch a brand new information session series. What are we covering this time? All things EV!

Our goal is to ensure as many of our partners, particularly those in under-resourced communities, become early adopters as often as possible. In order to do that, we have to make sure we are hearing and addressing their concerns. So, what are some of the concerns partners are having about heat pumps? Let’s talk about them!

Last October, the SJVCEO launched our monthly Spotify playlist covering (of course) heat pump hot water heaters! In honor of #WoohooWaterHeater season, we want to bring this playlist back around

Hot topic of the year…. heat pump water heaters! This typically common appliance has everyone talking and more importantly saving on their utility bills. SJVCEO has worked very hard over the last year to introduce public agencies to one component of the electrification future while also collecting major savings.

The incentives for heat pump water heaters will not be around forever. In fact, we don’t know what they will look like beyond 2024 and partners are subscribing to the program quickly. Until then, we are pressing forward the heat pump water heaters and encouraging you, our partners, to hop on board as quickly as possible before the quest for a new EE measure that “checks all the boxes” begins its cycle all over again.

Meeting the customer where they are doesn’t ring truer to than working with small and medium sized business owners. These owners wear many hats in a day to keep the business running and the lights on. So, trying to find time to meet to discuss energy opportunities and programs is close to impossible.

We know that while electric vehicles are fantastic, but they can also be daunting and seem overwhelming. We are here to help alleviate those feelings for you all! In partnership with PG&E, the SJVCEO is actively educating our communities on the various programs that are being offered for PG&E customers