Six Ideas to Help PG&E Customers Save Up to $400 Annually

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) wants to remind its customers
that there are ways to save money this summer as temperatures heat up.
With six simple steps, residential gas and electric customers can save
as much as $400 on their energy bills over the year. In preparation for
summer, PG&E encourages customers to take advantage of tips like these,
along with programs and tools that enable them to save energy and manage
their summer bills.

“PG&E offers many tips, programs and tools to help customers take
control of their energy usage. This summer, we want to help our
customers take action to help manage energy costs and realize savings
through these hotter months,” said Vincent Davis, senior director of
energy efficiency at PG&E.

These six energy-saving tips are tailored specifically for gas and
electric residential customers in hotter climates to help them reduce
their energy usage and lower their energy bills. The below savings
amounts are illustrative only. Actual savings will vary.*

			1.	Seal air leaks: gaps and cracks between the inside and outside of a customer’s home can allow cooled air to escape in the summer. Sealing air leaks on doors or windows can save up to $95 on annual cooling costs.*
			2.	Raise the thermostat: customers can save up to $85 on annual cooling costs for each degree the temperature is increased in their home during the hot summer months.*
			3.	Turn off AC when leaving: turning off the air conditioning before leaving home will save up to $65 annually, especially for customers on a Time of Use rate plan or when there is a SmartDay event for those on a SmartRate plan.*
			4.	Improve shading for windows: Enhancing shade on windows can save up to $60 each year by ensuring the sun doesn’t heat up the inside of a home.*
			5.	Maintain AC: air conditioners use more energy than necessary if they are not properly maintained. Maintaining a home’s AC this summer will help the system last longer and save up to $50 each year.*
			6.	Check air filters once a month: heating and cooling consume the most energy in the average home — up to 50 percent of total home energy use. Cleaning or replacing filters monthly will improve energy efficiency and save up to $45 each year.*

To take advantage of additional programs, tools, and savings
opportunities, PG&E recommends customers:

• Go to pge.com
  and sign up for a free online account. Signing up to access an
  online account is critical to customers’ understanding their energy
  use. When logged in, customers can also, review energy use and costs,
  compare bills, and more.
• Find a rate plan that works best for their home at pge.com/ratechoices.
  Customers can analyze their energy usage and find the lowest cost or
  most convenient rate plan, based on their electric use history.
• Avoid bill surprises with Energy Alerts and Budget Billing.
  Customers who need help balancing their budget and avoiding bill
  surprises can sign up for the free Bill Forecast Alerts at pge.com/energyalerts
  to be alerted by text, phone or email if their monthly bill amount is
  projected to exceed the amount they specified. Customers who wish to
  receive a more consistent and predictable monthly bill based on their
  average annual usage can sign up for Budget Billing at pge.com/budgetbilling.
• Take a free Home Energy Checkup at pge.com/myenergyuse.
  This simple web-based assessment allows customers to find out how
  much of their household’s energy goes to heating, hot water,
  appliances, and lighting. Customers will receive a personalized list
  of ways to reduce energy and lower their bill. It’s free, easy and
  takes only five minutes to complete.

For more tips on how to save this summer, visit www.pge.com/summer.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E
Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas
and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San
Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of
the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and
Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com
and pge.com/news.

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Contacts

Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Cory Jackson, 415-973-5930