San Francisco is planning to shut down the dirty, inefficient Hunter’s Point Power Plant, a move that will give a tremendous boost to the area's air quality. However, instead of rebuilding another large conventional plant, the City plans to meet the bulk of its energy demand through alternative measures, such as conservation programs, development of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar and tidal power), and investment in newer, smaller plants that will generate power only as needed.

You can contribute to this laudable effort simply by conserving energy in your own home — and you’ll be saving money, too. Here are some helpful energy conservation tips:

• Start by making simple changes in habit, such as turning off lights that aren’t necessary, unplugging appliances you’re not currently using, and running the dishwasher and washing machine only when they’re full (do only short washes, if sufficient and your appliances give you the option). As a next step, you could replace conventional light bulbs with compact florescent bulbs and install a programmable thermostat. When your budget can accommodate an investment in more significant energy-saving changes, consider replacing old appliances with ones carrying the Energy Star® label.
  
  
• PG&E also offers a full range of “Single Family Rebates” to encourage energy-saving improvements in the home. You’ll find programs for washing machines, refrigerators, attic and wall insulation, even florescent light bulbs. Rebates run from $1 for the purchase of a compact florescent bulb to $625 for a central heat pump, and this is aside from the considerable savings you could see in your monthly utilities bills. Visit PG&E online to see exactly which types of home improvements and appliances qualify. (Note: The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) also offers rebates on water-saving appliances, but you may not get a rebate from both PG&E and SFPUC for the same item. See our  Water Conservation article for more details on SFPUC rebates.)