#USA #Oakland #Pacific Gas and Electric #Energy Assistance #Summer Savings

Summer Solutions: PG&E's Guide to Lower Energy Bills

With the summer heat looming, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is preparing its customers for a season of rising temperatures and energy costs. In anticipation of above-average summer temperatures, PG&E is dedicated to ensuring its customers remain cool, safe, and most importantly, financially secure. The company emphasizes the importance of understanding one's energy usage and tapping into various resources designed to assist households in managing their energy expenses.

Understanding Energy Costs

During the hot months, energy consumption tends to spike as households crank up air conditioning systems. To help customers navigate these increased costs, PG&E encourages them to log into their online accounts and utilize the Rate Comparison tool. This resource allows users to identify the most economical rate plan tailored to their energy consumption habits, potentially leading to significant cost savings.

Further, PG&E has rolled out several no-cost solutions aimed at stabilizing billing. Their Budget Billing program encourages families to spread out energy costs over the year, minimizing shock bills during peak summer months. Additionally, customers can sign up for Bill Forecast Alerts, which notify them if their expected monthly bill exceeds a chosen amount based on their usage.

To further assist families, PG&E offers free consultations through its HomeIntel program, where a personal energy coach can help tailor saving strategies and energy-efficient practices directly suited to each household’s unique needs.

Tips for Lowering Energy Costs

In conjunction with these tools, PG&E has compiled practical tips for families eager to lower their summer energy bills:
1. Adjust Your Thermostat: Increasing the thermostat setting by 7°F-10°F for eight hours daily can lead to a 5-10% annual decrease in cooling costs.
2. Optimize Sunlight: Keep your home's interior cool by closing curtains and shades, reducing air conditioning strain and saving up to $30 yearly.
3. Utilize Fans: Ceiling fans improve air circulation, allowing higher thermostat settings while saving about $15 in cooling costs each year.
4. Smart Cooking: Using induction cooktops is not only faster and safer but also more energy-efficient. By joining PG&E's Induction Cooktop Loaner Program, customers can try out this modern cooking method at no expense.

Cost-Effective Improvements

For long-term savings, customers should consider investing in upgrades that seal air leaks around doors and windows, which can yield savings of up to $120 annually in cooling costs.
Regular maintenance is equally vital; keeping air filters clean enhances AC efficiency and can save another $15 per year.

Investing in energy-efficient appliances, along with strategic adjustments like utilizing pool covers or installing a variable-speed pool pump, can aggregate annual savings up to approximately $2,700.

Assistance for Low-Income Families

Recognizing that summer bills can be exorbitantly high, PG&E has also established numerous assistance programs for income-eligible customers:

• - The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program provides a 20% discount on gas and a 35% discount on electricity.
• - The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) offers an 18% reduction on electricity bills regardless of household size.
• - For those with severe financial challenges, the Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA) provides no-cost improvements designed to enhance energy efficiency.
• - Additionally, PGE Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) grants a one-time bill credit to qualifying customers, while the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) facilitates one-time payments on overdue bills of up to $1,500.

Other programs include Medical Baseline, a special rate designed for customers with medical needs requiring essential energy use.

Conclusion

As summer approaches, PG&E’s array of tools and programs is designed to give customers the power to make proactive changes in their energy consumption habits. With a little planning, families can effectively manage their summer cooling costs and enjoy a comfortable home without financial strain. For more resources and to find out how to take advantage of PG&E's services, customers are encouraged to visit pge.com/summer.