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Utilities

Energy

Energy efficiency is critical to all businesses. With escalating energy costs nationwide, business owners and executives are always on the lookout to save on their energy bills. Silicon Valley has some particular advantages: a moderate climate that help keep down heating and air-conditioning loads, over 300 days of sunshine a year for reduced artificial lighting, building codes that mandate efficiency, and progressive utilities with significant assistance programs.

For information on statewide rates, regulations, maps, incentive programs, and more, visit the California Energy Commission.

Silicon Valley’s energy needs are served primarily by Pacific Gas & Electric, while two cities, Palo Alto and Santa Clara, operate municipally owned utilities.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)

PG&E is the largest utility in California and the U.S. to provide both natural gas and electricity. The company offers businesses a wealth of technical knowledge and experience to help increase energy efficiency and lower costs. Learn more about PG&E’s programs to assist business.

City of Palo Alto Utilities

Palo Alto is the only municipal utility in California that operates electric, fiber optic, natural gas, water, and waste water services. The utility has aggressive goals for the purchase of renewable power such as wind and provides incentives for the installation of photovoltaic solar panels and for energy and water conservation.

Silicon Valley Power

Silicon Valley Power (SVP) provides electricity, water and sewer services to businesses and residences in City of Santa Clara at some of the lowest rates in the Bay Area. SVP offers renewable energy source power, rebates, free energy audits and others services to help businesses manage their energy costs.

Transportation and Transit

Our region is served by a robust infrastructure of roads, bridges, trains, and buses, as well as an airport whose location can’t be beat. For help with transit planning and to learn more about how our systems connect, visit www.511.org.