With cooler evenings and shorter days, small adjustments at home can help you use less energy and stay comfortable. Clean Energy Alliance customers can save money through the PeakSmart Savers program by reducing energy use during high-demand hours.

Here are a few no-cost or low-cost ideas to try:

1. Let the sun do the work
Open blinds and curtains during the day to bring in sunlight, then close them in the evening to help keep indoor heat from escaping.

2. Unplug devices that aren’t in use
Chargers, gaming consoles and countertop appliances continue to draw power even when they’re off.

3. Warm only the spaces you need
If you use a space heater, run it only in the room you’re in and turn it off when you leave. Keep it clear of anything that blocks airflow.

4. Adjust your water heater setting
Lowering the temperature just a few degrees can cut energy use while still providing plenty of hot water.

5. Switch to LED lighting in high-use areas
If you still have older bulbs, start with the rooms you use the most or outdoor fixtures that stay on longer.

You can find more energy-saving tips, low-cost ideas and options for larger home upgrades on the city’s website to help save energy and protect the environment.

Track progress on clean energy and emissions
Taking small steps at home helps reduce energy use and supports the environmental goals in the city’s Climate Action Plan 

Earlier this year, the city launched an online Climate Action Plan dashboard to show how these efforts are adding up. The dashboard tracks progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy use, transportation, solid waste and other sources.

The Climate Action Plan serves as a long-term roadmap for meeting the City Council’s goal to protect the environment and natural resources. Among the city’s early accomplishments and upcoming actions:

• Switched all city electricity accounts to 100% renewable energy through the Clean Energy Alliance
• Mapping the city’s tree canopy to guide tree planting and track carbon and shade benefits
• Planning future electric vehicle and bike charging locations to support public charging needs in 2026

The dashboard brings this information together in one place, allowing the community to follow along as Carlsbad works toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

More information
How to help the environment webpage
Climate Action Plan dashboard
Climate Action Plan