PG&E Offers Ways to Dial up Savings and Safety this Winter

Rhea-AI Summary

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) provides customers with tips to save energy and maintain safety during the winter months, especially as more people remain at home. With increased energy consumption expected, PG&E emphasizes the importance of practical measures. Recommendations include lowering thermostat settings, controlling water heater temperatures, checking for air duct leaks, and utilizing energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, safety guidelines address the risks associated with carbon monoxide and space heaters. PG&E aims to support customers in managing energy use effectively during the colder season.

Positive

• Practical energy-saving tips provided to customers to lower costs.
• Potential participation in energy-saving programs at no cost.
• Support for income-qualified customers through discounted programs.

Negative

• Increased energy costs anticipated due to longer stays at home during winter.

A comfortable indoor space is more important than ever with most customers staying home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Longer nights, colder days and more time at home could lead to using more natural gas and increased energy costs. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) offers ways for customers to save energy, money and stay safe during the cold winter months.

“Customers are spending more time at home than ever before as a result of the ongoing nature of the pandemic. There are, however, simple steps customers can take to lower their energy costs without sacrificing safety or comfort,” said Aaron August, PG&E Vice President of Business Development & Customer Engagement.

PG&E offers the following tips to safely reduce the cost of keeping warm.

Ways to Save Energy this Winter

• Set thermostat for savings: Customers can save about 2 percent on their heating bill for each degree the thermostat is lowered (if the turndown lasts a good part of the day or night). Turning down the thermostat from 70°F to 65°F, for example, saves about 10 percent.
• Control water temperature: Set the water heater thermostat at 120°F or lower. This will reduce the amount of energy it takes to produce and maintain hot water by not overheating it.
• Test air ducts for leaks: In a typical house, 20 to 30 percent of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts.
• Microwave and save: Reheating leftovers in a microwave takes less time and uses 80 percent less energy than a standard oven.
• Energy-saving programs: Sign up for programs managed by energy-efficiency specialists selected by PG&E, some are offered at no cost.
• Income-qualified programs: Qualifying customers can apply for a monthly discount through the California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE) or the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA). Participants in the CARE program may also qualify for the Energy Savings Assistance program.

For more tips on saving energy this winter, visit www.pge.com/winter.

Fuel-burning appliances, such as gas furnaces, stoves, ovens and water heaters can increase the risk of carbon monoxide leaks, a toxic gas, when they are not working properly. Electric heating devices, such as space heaters, can also be a safety hazard when used improperly. Inappropriate use has been known to cause fires.

Ways to Stay Safe this Winter

• Carbon Monoxide
  • Never use products inside the home that generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, such as generators, barbecues, propane heaters and charcoal.
• Space Heaters
  • Place space heaters on level, hard, nonflammable surfaces, not on rugs or carpets.
  • Don’t put objects on space heaters or use them to dry clothes or shoes.
  • Turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep.
  • Keep all flammable materials at least three feet away from heating sources and supervise children when a space heater or fireplace is being used.

If customers suspect there is a problem with a natural gas appliance inside their home, they should call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. If you detect carbon monoxide in your home, you should get out immediately and call 911.

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 23,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation's cleanest energy to 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210202005865/en/

FAQ

What energy-saving tips did PG&E announce for winter?

PG&E suggests lowering thermostat settings, controlling water heater temperatures, and checking for air duct leaks to save energy this winter.

How can customers lower their heating bills according to PG&E?

Customers can save approximately 2% on heating bills by lowering the thermostat by one degree, with a 10% savings from reducing it from 70°F to 65°F.

What safety measures does PG&E recommend for using space heaters?

PG&E advises placing space heaters on nonflammable surfaces, keeping objects away from them, and turning them off when leaving the room.

What assistance programs does PG&E offer for income-qualified customers?

PG&E offers the California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE) and the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA) for qualifying customers.

What is the risk associated with using gas appliances during winter?

Improperly working gas appliances can increase the risk of carbon monoxide leaks, which is a toxic gas.