To commend their participation in SDG&E's Demand Response and Energy Efficiency programs, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) awarded American Internet Services with a certificate of excellence.

For over a year, American Internet Services (AIS) has been a committed participant in SDG&E Demand Response programs, and is continuing with this program in 2008. Chief Operating Officer of AIS, Alessandra Carrasco, said: "We joined this program in 2007, both to limit our environmental footprint and to curb excess electrical usage."

As part of SDG&E overall efforts to stabilize the utility grid during electricity usage spikes, the program encourages AIS to control its electrical consumption. To optimize their electricity usage without affecting performance, AIS implemented energy-saving measures, including:

    * Replacing equipment with Energy Star-compliant hardware (so equipment powers up slowly, flattening energy spikes)
    * Installing variable-frequency drives (VFDs) on large equipment to reduce their energy consumption.

During high demand periods, the Demand Response programs temporarily reduce and shift energy loads. Spikes such as during unusually hot days in systemwide consumption, can cause blackouts. The overall electrical grid is stabilized, by reducing or moving electrical consumption during peak demand. SDG&E's "demand response programs ... are designed to conserve energy resources and maintain energy reliability", as stated by the certificate of excellence.

For businesses to temporarily cut back on energy use in a defined, controlled way, the Demand Response program is a voluntary way. As a continuing commitment to serving their community, both of AIS's San Diego data center campuses are participating in Demand Response and Energy Efficiency programs.