Project Summary:
A market test was conducted on behalf of Southern California Gas Company (SCG), Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E), and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) in late summer/fall 2008 to assess the value of promoting the use of coldwater detergent as a means of reducing water heater energy consumption among California residential customers. A controlled experiment was conducted, comparing the washing machine-temperature-setting habits of a Test Group with those of a Control Group, with the actions of the Test Group serving as a surrogate for actions of participants in a potential utility program that would promote coldwater detergent and washing in cold water.
