How Power Saver Rewards Supports Equity for Diverse Communities

By Alex Villafuerte

Many of us in California believe that climate resilience isn’t just about clean energy; it’s about making sure every community can participate in and benefit from it. The story of climate change in our state is also a story of fairness, and how we choose to address the unique challenges faced by diverse communities, including LGBTQ+ residents, working-class families, rural neighbors, and multicultural communities.

The reality is climate change does not impact all of us equally. Working-class neighborhoods, those living in rural areas, and communities of color often face higher utility bills, older housing, and fewer resources to prepare for extreme weather. Many LGBTQ+ residents, particularly youth and seniors, are especially vulnerable due to higher rates of housing insecurity, chronic health conditions, and economic marginalization.

LGBTQ+ Americans in same-sex couple households are more likely to live in coastal areas and counties most at risk for climate change disruption. A recent study found that a one percent increase in same-sex couples is associated with a seventeen percent increase in NASA’s climate risk score and a six percent increase in FEMA’s disaster risk score. This matters because climate resilience efforts that overlook LGBTQ+ people risk deepening disparities.

Our community is highly aware of the effects of climate change and cares deeply about these issues. Perhaps it is why polls show that personal commitment to environmentalism is more pronounced in LGBTQ+ communities than the general population. 

The Power Saver Rewards program from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is a great example of how individuals from across the state can come together and help our community. Making a difference is easy; individuals can voluntarily reduce electricity use during high-demand periods known as Flex Alerts. Everyone who participates makes a difference and helps the most vulnerable members of their community. 

What sets Power Saver Rewards apart is its commitment to equity. The CPUC has launched targeted outreach campaigns focused on communities across the state, including low-income households, multicultural residents, individuals with disabilities, and more. These efforts have included multilingual communications, partnerships with trusted community groups, and simplified enrollment options aimed at building trust and improving access.

Local organizations, including the Asian Business Association of San Diego, have stepped up to amplify these efforts. From organizing workshops to distributing information in Chinese and Korean, we’ve seen firsthand how bridging the information gap can spark real change.

Complexity, language barriers, or lack of access to information can make even a free program feel out of reach. That’s where Power Saver Rewards stands out. It’s designed to be inclusive – no special technology is required, no credit checks, no long applications. If you’re a residential customer of San Diego Gas and Electric or Southern California Edison and reduce your electricity use during a Flex Alert issued between May and October, you earn automatic credits on your bill if you’re enrolled. It’s simple, accessible, and equitable.

Energy costs may not dominate the headlines, but they hit the bottom line for hard-working households, especially during the hot summer months when cooling needs spike. Flex Alerts usually occur from 4:00-9:00 p.m. during extremely hot days when energy demand could easily outstrip supply. Small behavior changes during a Flex Alert, such as turning off unused lights, running the dishwasher or doing laundry later in the evening, and turning up your thermostat can make a real difference and lead to a credit on your electric bill. 

This kind of program design isn’t just smart policy, it’s smart strategy. When you make participation easy and universal, the benefits ripple outward, leading to lower demand on the grid during peak-use hours, reduced emissions, and energy for the things that matter most. 

Signing up or checking your registration is easy. Go to PowerSaverRewards.org, select your utility provider, and complete the enrollment process. When a Flex Alert is issued, you’ll know when and how to make the small changes that add up to a big impact. 

As an organization committed to inclusive economic growth, the Asian Business Association urges our fellow business leaders, community advocates, and residents, especially in LGBTQ+ and AAPI communities, to take advantage of this program.

Progress isn’t just about policy or infrastructure. It’s about who gets to participate. And when we make room for everyone at the table, we all come out stronger.

Alex Villafuerte is the Communications Director at Asian Business Association San Diego.