General Power Questions

What are the advantages City of Santa Clara residents have over their neighbors for electricity?
How much less do City of Santa Clara residents pay for their electricity?
How can City of Santa Clara residents change services or make payment arrangements?
How can City of Santa Clara residents reduce their electric bills?
Does the City of Santa Clara generate its own power?
How long has the City of Santa Clara had its own electric utility?
How can I receive additional information on topics related to the energy industry?

What are the advantages City of Santa Clara residents have over their neighbors for electricity?
Santa Clara residents own their electric utility, Silicon Valley Power. Because they own this not-for-profit utility, service levels are high and rates are lower than in surrounding communities. In addition, power is reliable and comes from a more environmentally sound mix than is provided by other utilities.

How much less do City of Santa Clara residents pay for their electricity?
Although rates vary depending on usage, the electric rates for residents in the City of Santa Clara are as much as 80% lower than in surrounding cities.

How can City of Santa Clara residents change service or make payment arrangements?
You can make payment arrangements or service changes by calling Municipal Services at 408-615-2300.

How can City of Santa Clara residents reduce their electric bills?
The best way to pay less money for electricity is to use less electricity. Silicon Valley Power can come out to your home or business to give you individual recommendations on ways to reduce costs. Residents can set up an appointment by calling 408-244-SAVE (7283), businesses can call 408-615-6650. Silicon Valley Power also provides a variety of rebates to residents and businesses that install energy efficient equipment and appliances. Other ways that you can quickly reduce your electric bill include the following:

• Turn off equipment that is not needed.
• Set your programmable thermostat to have the heating or air conditioning go off when no one is there or at night. Set heater temperatures no higher than 68F in the winter and no lower than 78F in the summer.
• When it is time to replace equipment and appliances, purchase and install ENERGY STAR labeled products.
• For more tips on energy efficiency, please email us at cutcosts@siliconvalleypower.com or call 408-244-SAVE (7283).

Does the City of Santa Clara generate its own power?
Santa Clara generates about two percent of its energy within the city limits. The rest of its energy needs are filled by a diverse set of resources owned and contracted by SVP throughout California and the Western United States.

How long has the City of Santa Clara had its own electric utility?
The All-American City of Santa Clara has had its own electric utility, Silicon Valley Power, since 1896.

How can I receive additional information on topics related to the energy industry?
Watch your mail, your bill, your newspaper, and this website for continuously updated material. Also, Comcast Cable Government Channel 15 (where available) and your local library will have information for you. If the answer you are looking for is not here, contact us at info@siliconvalleypower.com or call 408-244-SAVE (7283).

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