Explore energy-saving ideas in the Business Resource Center

Whether you want to improve your restaurant’s ambiance, increase equipment performance, or simply cut costs; saving energy can achieve it. The PG&E Food Service Technology Center (FSTC) is ready to help you bring all the benefits of energy efficiency into your restaurant – for free!

For more than 20 years, the San Ramon-based FSTC has provided free energy-saving resources, tools, and tips to restaurants and foodservice organizations across California. The PG&E FSTC is a leader in commercial kitchen energy efficiency research and performance testing of both gas and electric appliances. And they want to share the knowledge and insights with you to reduce your operating costs and energy use!

Visit the FSTC in person or online, and you’ll have countless resources at your fingertips. Here’s what you can take advantage of at no cost:

FSTC tours

Stop by to see the test lab in action, watch chefs demo best-in-class equipment, and meet with manufacturers who will let you try out their appliances for yourself. FSTC engineers and staff are ready to talk with you about the latest and greatest in foodservice energy efficiency. Be sure to come with questions for us! Can’t make it to the lab? Take a quick virtual tour.

Appliance testing

The FSTC’s state-of-the-art lab puts appliance performance and energy efficiency to the test, so you have the unbiased data you need to make informed equipment purchasing decisions. Detailed test reports include valuable metrics, such as production capacity and idle energy consumption rate.

Seminars

From general energy-saving lighting best practices to the specifics of food truck energy efficiency, there may be a seminar that will whet your appetite for learning. Make it to a seminar, and you’ll learn from the experts, get answers to your questions, and connect with industry peers. You can also access online courses and webinars. And remember, these are all completely free to attend! Check out our seminar schedule.

On-site energy surveys

If you want a more energy-efficient operation, start by evaluating your current set-up. Bring an FSTC analyst to your site for a complete examination of all of your energy-using equipment, including appliances, lighting, exhaust ventilation, water heating and more. You’ll receive a comprehensive report with customized energy-saving recommendations. Request your site survey now.

Facility design assistance

Before you remodel your restaurant or buy a new space, reach out to the FSTC experts for help specifying energy-efficient equipment and securing PG&E rebates. You’ll be on your way to an enhanced restaurant and a better bottom line.

Energy efficiency publications

The FSTC offers a complete library of foodservice publications, featuring in-depth appliance reports and industry studies, as well as a blog that address a range of topics from organic waste recycling to solid fuel cooking.

Energy-efficient equipment rebates

There’s a PG&E rebate for many gas or electric commercial kitchen appliances and equipment. Download the PG&E Food Service Rebate Catalog (PDF, 2.6 MB) for all of your rebate options.

In conjunction with PG&E’s energy efficiency rebate and incentives, you could qualify for zero-percent loans ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 through PG&E’s Energy Efficiency Financing.*

*Subject to customer eligibility and program requirements.
For more information, visit pge.com/eef.

Note: The Food Service Technology Center program is funded by California utility customers and administered by Pacific Gas and Electric Company under the auspices of the California Public Utility Commission.