Did Y'all Know? | October 2025
Did Y’all Know…
Sure, October brings pumpkins, costumes, and all things spooky—but did you know it's also Energy Awareness Month? That's right, while you're carving jack-o'-lanterns, we're here to help you carve out some serious energy savings!
This month, join Rochelle as she breaks down everything you need to know about Energy Awareness Month. We're talking about what it is, why it matters more than ever, and—most importantly—how YOU can get involved with smart savings strategies, engaging activities, and practical tips that actually work.
Whether you're ready to benchmark your buildings, hunt down those valuable Energy Star rebates, or simply learn some new tricks to cut costs and boost efficiency, our latest "What's That Fast Chat" webisode has you covered. And because saving energy shouldn't be boring, we've added some fun along the way!
Ready to flip the switch on energy awareness? Let's make this October not just about trick-or-treating, but about treating your budget (and the planet) right! Join us for an enlightening conversation that proves energy efficiency can be both impactful AND entertaining.
Did Y’all Know…
We can't help but take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of energy efficiency right here in the San Joaquin Valley. And honestly? It's hard not to get a little sentimental about some of the standout programs we've had the absolute pleasure of working on over the years!
From transformative lighting upgrades that brightened small towns to ambitious collaborative efforts that brought entire communities together to reduce energy use, these initiatives didn't just save kilowatt-hours—they made a lasting impact on the people and places we serve. They changed how businesses operate, how families think about energy, and how our region approaches yo save energy.
Now, we'll be the first to admit that many of our favorite programs have taken their final bow. But here's the thing: their influence lives on in every LED bulb that still shines, every efficient system that continues to hum, and every community member who learned to think differently about energy. And even better news? The spirit of innovation hasn't stopped! There are still plenty of dynamic current offerings available to meet today's evolving energy needs.
In this edition of Efficiency in Focus, we're taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of our most memorable projects while highlighting how today's programs continue the legacy of supporting energy conservation across our beloved region. Because while times change and programs evolve, our commitment to the San Joaquin Valley's energy future remains stronger than ever.
Did Y’all Know
"Humor me," I said. "What's your favorite all-time classic EE measure?"
The responses flooded in—from old-school behavior changes to building envelope upgrades to very specific controls. There's serious affection for insulation measures (which makes sense in Climate Zone 13), but my answer? Trees.
Here's the thing: while some claim energy efficiency is dead, certain measures continue proving their worth. Not because they're in a rebate catalog, but because they work. Energy efficiency remains the most cost-effective form of energy and king in California's loading order. As we focus on decarbonization and electrification, remember: "Electrification IS energy efficiency!"
We have solutions. We have eager implementers. We have stakeholders ready to protect energy efficiency's position. When I texted colleagues asking about favorite measures, responses came incredibly quickly, proving two things: I keep good company, and we can still offer measures today that worked 12 years ago.
Did Y’all Know
Let me ask you this—did YOU know that EE programs are actually major drivers of technological innovation?
It's true! While most people think of energy efficiency programs as simply offering rebates or incentives to help cut costs (which they absolutely do), there's something much bigger happening behind the scenes. One could argue that one of the primary purposes of EE programs is actually to advance energy efficiency technology itself. Mind. Blown.
Think about it: How does cutting-edge technology go from "wow, that's expensive and new" to "everyone has one of these" in just a few years? The answer often lies in energy efficiency programs quietly working their magic in the background. This month's Technology Tuesday dives deep into the innovation engine that is energy efficiency programming. Trust us—by the end of this, you'll never look at an LED bulb (or a heat pump, or solar panel) the same way again!
Did Y’all Know…
Halloween is a time for spooky fun and activities, but it can also be a time for some truly scary electrical hazard. As your neighbors set up for the festivities, you may have noticed many front yards covered in a sea of electrical cords, increasing the risk of overloaded circuits, exposed electrical parts, improper grounding and damaged insulation! Check out some tips below from SCE!
Being better prepared and safely incorporating electricity into Halloween decorations helps to make sure that no accidents take place:
Get the right extension cord: Avoid using an indoor cord for outdoor use, since indoor cords are not built to withstand changing weather conditions.
Check the condition: Inspect the whole length of the cord to make sure it's not frayed anywhere, which could expose the internal wiring to wet or damp conditions. And definitely don't fall into the temptation of patching up cords with electrical tape to save a buck.
Keep it neat: In addition to making your yard look nice, routing extension cords in an organized way avoids turning them into tripping hazards for those trick-or-treaters who wander onto your property.