Customers Can Lower Energy Costs with Simple
Tools, Tips, & Assistance Programs
OAKLAND,
Calif., June 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As households
spring into summer, PG&E encourages customers to prepare for
the warmer months ahead by making their homes and businesses more
energy efficient to reduce their energy usage, save money, and
explore financial assistance programs to manage summer energy
bills.
More than 50% of a typical household's annual energy consumption
is air conditioning and heating, according to the U.S. Energy
Information Administration. As temperatures climb, PG&E urges
customers to clear debris or vegetation within two feet of their AC
unit and check for any cracks or holes to ensure the system works
efficiently.
"Making a few small adjustments around your home can add up to
bill savings, said Vincent Davis,
PG&E Senior Vice President, Customer Experience. "By scaling
back energy consumption, customers can also reduce their carbon
footprint, which helps fight climate change."
Summer Energy & Money-Saving Solutions
PG&E is
helping customers weather the summer heat with no-cost and low-cost
actions to reduce energy use during peak demand periods without
sacrificing comfort:
- Thermostat Tip: Set the thermostat to 78 degrees or
higher when at home, health permitting. Close blinds and curtains
during the hottest part of the day.
- Seal Leaks: Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal any
gaps around drafty doors or windows so your AC doesn't have to work
overtime.
- Replace Air Filters: Dirty air filters make your AC work
harder to circulate air. Replacing filters regularly can improve
energy efficiency and reduce costs.
- Fans Are Your Friend: Use a ceiling fan to create a
breeze without draining energy on your AC.
- Energy Efficiency DIY Tool Kit: With a $200 investment in energy-efficient materials in
PG&E's Energy Efficiency DIY Tool Kit, customers can save
nearly $1,000 a year on their energy
bills.
- Conquer Kitchen Heat: Use an induction cooktop for meals
instead of a traditional stovetop to keep your kitchen cool.
Induction cooktops are safer, faster, and more energy efficient
than gas or electric resistance cooktops. The PG&E Induction
Cooktop Loaner Program allows customers to borrow a single-burner
induction cooktop and pan for two weeks at no cost.
- Pool Power: Use a pool cover and consider installing a
variable speed pool pump to curb energy costs. A list of pool pump
options and rebates can be found online with PG&E's Energy
Action Guide.
Energy Incentive Programs
- Power Saver Rewards: This is a free program that rewards
customers with a bill credit for temporarily reducing energy use on
select summer days when the demand for electricity is high.
- SmartRate Program: You can pay a reduced rate in exchange for
minimizing your electricity usage between 4-9 p.m. when "SmartDays" are called.
For more resources to help manage summer cooling costs,
including a Home Energy Checkup, Personalized Rate Comparison,
and HomeIntel program, visit pge.com/summer.
Income-Eligible Financial Assistance Programs
PG&E
has several assistance programs to help income-eligible customers
pay their energy bills:
- California Alternate Rates for Energy: provides a monthly
discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity bills. New federal
income eligibility guidelines apply.
- Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA): provides a monthly
discount of 18% on electricity for households of three or more
people. New federal income eligibility guidelines apply.
- Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): a debt forgiveness plan for
eligible residential customers. New federal income eligibility
guidelines apply.
- Relief for Energy Assistance Through Community Help (REACH): a
program that provides up to a $1,000
bill credit to help income-eligible customers with past due
balances. In April, PG&E also launched REACH Triple Match,
which expands eligibility to more low-to moderate-income customers
and requires customers to make a bill payment to receive a 3 to 1
match, providing up to a $1,000 bill
credit. New federal income eligibility guidelines apply.
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): a federally
funded assistance program overseen by the state that offers a
one-time payment up to $1,000 on past
due bills to help low-income households pay for heating or cooling
in their homes.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a
subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined
natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million
people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information,
visit pge.com and pge.com/news
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SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company