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Merry & Mindful: Top Energy-Saving Tips from PG&E for the Festive Season

As the holiday season approaches, families prepare for gatherings filled with joy, delicious food, and brightly decorated homes. However, with the hustle and bustle of the festivities, energy usage can significantly spike, leading to higher utility bills. Fortunately, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is here to help customers navigate this busy time with straightforward, energy-efficient strategies that ensure a cheerful and budget-friendly holiday.

Understanding Energy Usage Trends

According to the California Energy Commission, lighting accounts for 10% of the average household's energy usage, while kitchen appliances contribute a staggering 31%. Given the increase in cooking and festive decorations, households can expect their energy consumption to rise, which often leads to increased utility costs in the colder months.

PG&E's Director of Energy Efficiency, David Poster, emphasizes that adopting simple changes can have a significant impact on energy savings. "Energy costs can vary widely over the holidays, but customers can celebrate and save by incorporating a few energy-efficient steps in their seasonal prep," he notes.

Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency Tips

With energy savings in mind, here are some Scrooge-proof tips recommended by PG&E:

1. Dial Down the Thermostat

Lowering your thermostat by just one degree can contribute to a 1% savings on your annual energy bill. It's a simple yet effective way to save money.

2. Use the Convection Setting

Utilizing the convection setting on your oven allows food to cook faster at lower temperatures, resulting in energy savings.

3. Cook Efficiently

Maximize baked dishes by preparing side dishes simultaneously in the oven, cutting down on cooking time and energy use.

4. Keep Doors and Lids Closed

Reducing oven door openings can maintain the heat inside, as each time the door opens, the temperature can drop by up to 25 degrees. Use your oven's window and keep lids on pots and pans to retain heat.

5. Explore Alternative Cooking Methods

Consider cooking with microwaves, crockpots, or induction cooktops to save energy. PG&E even offers an Induction Cooktop Loaner Program, allowing customers to borrow an induction cooktop and pan free of charge for two weeks.

6. Utilize Your Dishwasher

Running a full dishwasher is more energy-efficient than washing dishes by hand. For additional savings, skip the heat-dry cycle.

7. Switch to LED Lighting

LED holiday lights consume at least 75% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They also produce less heat, making them safer to use.

8. Automate Holiday Lighting

Using smart timers for holiday lights can save energy by scheduling on/off times and eliminating unnecessary waste.

9. Consider Heat Pump Technology

Heat pumps are recognized as one of the most efficient ways to heat homes and water. Homeowners are encouraged to explore this option through PG&E's resources.

In addition to these tips, PG&E provides families with a DIY energy efficiency toolkit. Customers can invest under $200 to create a toolkit that potentially saves hundreds of dollars yearly on energy bills.

Additional Resources for Customers

PG&E offers several savings programs to assist customers:

• - Golden State Rebates: Instant rebates on energy-efficient products like smart thermostats and air conditioners.
• - GoGreen Home Financing: Accessible financing options for energy-efficient upgrades.
• - WatterSaver Program: Customers can earn money by using energy when prices are low, optimizing water heater use.
• - Energy Action Guide: An online resource for personalized energy-efficient product recommendations and switching from gas to electric appliances.

PG&E's ongoing commitment to help households save money, especially during the financially tight holiday season, is evident through these initiatives. With energy-efficient practices, customers can enjoy a festive season filled with love, laughter, and mindful savings. For more energy-saving advice, visit PG&E's winter resource page.

Assistance Programs for Eligible Customers

To further support community members, PG&E offers various assistance programs:

• - California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE): A monthly discount of 20% or more on energy bills.
• - Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA): An 18% discount on electricity bills for larger households.
• - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A one-time payment up to $1,000 to help with overdue bills.
• - Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): A debt forgiveness plan for qualifying residential customers.

PGE strives not only to provide energy but also to empower its customers with tools and resources for a more energy-efficient lifestyle. Whether through clever cooking practices, smart home strategies, or community assistance programs, the focus is on creating a warm, festive, and economically prudent holiday season for all.