SoCalGas Efficiency Program Redirects Millions to Public Budgets

The Colton Joint Unified School District serves as a primary example of the program's impact, having integrated over 150 efficiency measures across its facilities in a three-year span. By installing 84 high-efficiency tankless water heaters, the district cut its natural gas consumption by roughly 20%, generating over $800,000 in savings. Jay Kim, the district's sustainability officer, noted that replacing a standard unit typically costs between $8,000 and $12,000, costs that the program absorbs to allow schools to reinvest in art supplies, science kits, and musical instruments.

Across the broader region, the Public Direct Install Program completed 845 projects in 2025. These installations reduced energy consumption by approximately 16.3 million net therms, an output equivalent to powering 11,500 residential homes for a full year. Andrew Steinberg, director of customer programs at SoCalGas, stated that the initiative is designed to help public entities manage tightening budgets while modernizing their facilities. The program is part of a larger portfolio of 70 efficiency offerings currently administered by the utility to support long-term affordability for public-sector and federal facilities throughout California.