#Energy Efficiency #Pacific Gas and Electric #Summer Savings

Smart Strategies for Summer Energy Savings with PG&E

As temperatures soar, many households are bracing for increased energy bills. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is stepping in to assist its customers navigate these challenging circumstances, ensuring they can stay cool without breaking the bank. This article explores how PG&E is helping families and businesses manage their energy consumption effectively this summer.

The Importance of Energy Management

According to forecasts from PG&E's Meteorology Operations, this summer is expected to bring above-average temperatures and a surge in air conditioning usage. The U.S. Department of Energy has estimated that homeowners allocate approximately $29 billion annually on air conditioning alone. Hence, it is vital for customers to adopt strategies that will help mitigate these costs.

Vincent Davis, PG&E’s Senior Vice President of Customer Experience, emphasized the company’s commitment to assisting customers, stating, "We know warmer weather can put extra demands on household energy costs, and we want customers to know they are not navigating the summer months on their own." This has led PG&E to create a range of solutions and resources that empower customers.

Energy Myths Debunked

To maximize savings, PG&E is clarifying several common energy myths:

1. Myth: Setting the thermostat to 60º cools a home faster.
Fact: Lowering the temperature won’t expedite cooling but can hike energy usage. Instead, smart thermostats can save customers between $50-$78 each year.

2. Myth: Ceiling fans cool rooms.
Fact: Fans only cool people, not spaces. They create a breeze while conserving energy compared to air conditioning.

3. Myth: Unused electronic devices do not consume energy.
Fact: Many devices still consume power when plugged in. It’s wise to unplug gadgets when not in use to save energy.

4. Myth: Energy-saving improvements are costly.
Fact: Many low-cost measures can lead to substantial savings, such as weatherstripping and using power strips effectively.

Useful Resources Available

To assist members in reducing their energy costs, PG&E has created several helpful resources:

• - Rate Comparison Tool: Customers can log into their online accounts to find the most affordable plans suited to their energy usage.
• - Budget Billing Program: This enables households to spread their power costs evenly throughout the year, minimizing unexpected bill surges.
• - Bill Forecast Alerts: Customers can register for reminders via email, text, or phone alerts for upcoming bills that exceed a predetermined amount.
• - HomeIntel Program: Offering personalized coaching to help customers save, this initiative could lead to average annual savings of $350.

Furthermore, customers can also take advantage of the SmartRate program, which allows for lower electricity rates during the hours of peak demand (4-9 p.m.) on designated