Saving energy is smart business because it pays to be energy efficient. Here's a few money saving ideas from the Small Business Energy Alliance:

" Lower your A/C energy use by 5 to 25%! Arrange for a tune-up for your air conditioning system (package units up to 20 tons) that can increase its efficiency and lower your electricity costs.
" Lower your lighting energy use by up to 50%! Install new energy-efficient lamps, ballasts and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
" Lower your refrigeration energy use by 5 to 25%! Arrange for a tune-up for your refrigeration system that can increase its efficiency and lower your electricity costs.
" Lower your A/C and heating energy usage by up 5 to 15%! Install a high-quality, commercial grade programmable thermostat to help you save on cooling energy.

The Small Business Energy Alliance can help to offset some of the charges involved in these tune-ups and new equipment purchases, even audit your systems for free and give you a list of energy-saving recommendations. Contact them at http://www.sbeaonline.com/ or (888) 759-9800.

Other Energy-Saving programs:

Get a free copy of the Southern California Edison's Business Energy Guide. It will provide you with low cost steps you can take to save money. SCE also offers commercial and industrial programs such as the Express Efficiency Programs and Standard Performance Contract Programs. For more information visit www.sce.com. While you're there, find out how your business can be more energy efficient by taking SCE's online business energy survey.

The Energy Innovation Group (EIG) manages the rebate program and can have a program specialist visit your business location at no cost to you to determine your energy savings and rebate opportunity. You may also fax or mail your latest SCE bill to EIG to determine your eligibility. For more information contact EIG by calling 310-306-4426.

You can also visit www.socalgas.com and use the Southern California Gas company's web site to find hidden energy cost savings by identify energy-saving opportunities for your business. They offer rebates for new energy efficient equipment, and you can have an energy professional conduct a free, detailed walk through and analysis of your facility. Just call 1-800-GAS-2000 to schedule a visit.

Flex Your Power
Flex Your Power is California's statewide energy efficiency marketing and outreach campaign. Initiated in 2001, Flex Your Power is a partnership of California's utilities, residents, businesses, institutions, government agencies and nonprofit organizations working to save energy.
They just added a new feature, "Flex Your Power at the Pump" that offers tips to help lower gasoline consumption.
 Call 415-771-7571 or click here to go to the Flex Your Power website.