dwbat

Comments by dwbat

San Diego Gas & Electric rates are nation's highest

San Diego Gas & Electric just ended its energy-saving promotion called San Diego Energy Challenge. They emailed customers on May 1 to deliver that news update. Along the way customers earned “badges” and “points” every week. [My “overall challenge achievements” were “7 total badges” and “11,497 points.” But I didn't win any prize.] Some apparently got gift cards or checks, and I think they gave away an iPad. But their email added this sentence: “If you would like to share your thoughts or comments on your experience with the San Diego Energy Challenge, please send them to save@sdenergychallenge.com.” I had a comment, so emailed using that address. It bounced back, saying “Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently.” Why did SDGE ask for comments, but not provide the correct email address? Perhaps they really did not want any feedback. I emailed their customer service dept. and got this nonsense reply: '“We apologize greatly for the email address not working. We are checking on this, at this time. I have referred your comments to the appropriate department.” The contest was co-sponsored by Simple Energy, Inc. (utilities.simpleenergy.com‎) in Boulder, Colorado, which does similar work for other utilities. Their website states they use “the powerful tools of the modern social web to engage customers and get our utility partners the results their regulators demand.” In other words, throw some of your customers a little chump change for saving electricity. This ploy seems primarily to generate goodwill with the CPUC, and prove that SDGE/Sempra Energy are fine corporate citizens who care about their overcharged customers. http://sandiegoreader.com/users/photos/2013/may...
— May 3, 2013 9 a.m.