Energy

Reducing energy use is a direct way to conserve resources and lower your utility bills. Natural gas and electricity are the two forms of energy delivered to residents and businesses in Redlands. We also use energy to power

Southern California Edison provides electricity to Redlands residents through a grid of power plants and substations. Electricity can be generated through renewable and non-renewable sources. It’s the City’s goal to increase our renewable energy supply.

Quick Energy Savers

Four icons with tips: turn off lights, unplug devices, use low power modes on electronics, and buy energy-efficient appliances.

Four easy energy saving habits include, turning off lights, unplugging devices, using low power mode, and buying efficient appliances.

Energy generation is one of the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions. Burning coal and using natural gas are some of the worst offenders.

On the other hand, solar, wind, and hydropower are renewable resources that produce little emissions while generating power. This is why these sources are considered “clean.”

Renewable resources are…renewable! This means that they naturally replenish and/or can be used again and again. Solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric systems are examples of ways we harness renewable resources. These sources are some of the cleanest ways we can get power.

The fossil fuels are non-renewable. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. It’s important for us to transition away from using these resources so we’re prepared for a post-fossil fuel world.

Batteries of all sizes generate power through internal chemical reactions. This allows the battery to create power anywhere. We can also utilize batteries to store clean energy. For example, solar panels can generate more power than their system needs. This extra power can be stored in a battery to be used later, allowing the solar panel to operate at max efficiency. All new buildings in California must have solar panels and an accompanying battery storage unit.

Batteries can also power cars, reducing or completely eliminating the need for gasoline powered engines. Read more about EVs here.

All cars have batteries. However, EVs and hybrids use lithium batteries which hold more energy to power the vehicle. Gas-powered cars use lead-acid batteries to generate an electrical current to start the engine and provide electrical back-up.

Did you know that batteries are recyclable? Batteries of all shapes and sizes can be taken to your local hazardous waste collection center. Please note that batteries should NEVER go into your blue bin. Batteries are considered hazardous waste.

Although recyclable, they require special handling and can’t be recycled with blue-bin materials. When disposed of in your curbside carts, batteries can be exposed to heat or strike other items. This can trigger them to spark and catch the surrounding materials on fire. Batteries are very safe when handled correctly.

Energy

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