Students learned about money and energy-saving tips Thursday during the “Energy Conservation Awareness Day” at Sacramento State.

“We’re here to educate students, faculty and staff about ways to reduce their utility bills,” said Nathaniel Martin, energy conservation coordinator at Sac State’s Facilities Services. “We’re teaching students, who are away from home for the first time and paying their bills for the first time, how to save energy.”

The event was held in partnership with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and California Fuel Cell Partnership (CalFCP).

Nathan Anderson, SMUD senior energy advisor, said the utility company tries to educate its customers at Sac State about saving energy and lowering their electric bills.

Junior accounting major Irina Chernaya said she wants to find ways to reduce her electric bills.

“I just received my first electric bill yesterday, and it’s kind of high,” Chernaya said.

Junior accounting major Natalya Suleymanoe said she has lowered her electric bills in half by switching to compact fluorescent bulbs.

According to an energy-saving guide provided by PG&E, people can save at least $90 in electric bills by switching from a 100-watt incandescent bulb to a 25-watt compact fluorescent lamp. Refrigerators should be kept between 38 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, lowering the thermostat by one degree Fahrenheit during the winter can save two to three percent of energy.

Martin said Sac State receives “monetary incentives” from SMUD for its energy conservation projects.

CalFCP also promoted its hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

“It’s (an) all electric and zero emission vehicle so it’s really good for California,” said Lisa Nguyen, CalFCP communication specialist. “There are about 200 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and 26 hydrogen fueling stations in California.”

Nguyen said CalFCP hosts a free public tour about hydrogen fuel cell vehicles from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. every fourth Friday of the month. CalFCP is located at 3300 Industrial Blvd in West Sacramento.

Kristine Guerra can be reached at [email protected].