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

Here are Home Heating Tips to Help Save Energy and Stay Safe During a COVID-19 Winter

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.— 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.
 

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