PG&E Reminds Customers That Conservation Pays Off This Summer
SAN FRANCISCO, July 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Weather forecasts are calling for scorching temperatures throughout much of northern and central California this week. The sustained heat over several days could put an additional strain on the state's power grid -- especially as both residential and business customers turn on air conditioners in the hottest areas.
While the California Independent System Operator does not anticipate any constraints statewide this week, PG&E reminds its residential, agriculture and small business customers that conservation during the summer months can mean an extra 20 percent savings on their electricity costs. (Larger business customers can also participate in a variety of demand response programs to lower electricity usage and costs)
The 20/20 Summer Savings Program offers eligible PG&E customers a 20 percent savings on their electricity costs from June 1 through September 30. The only challenge for approximately four million eligible customers is reducing electricity usage by 20 percent over the four months. The reduction is cumulative, so customers can reduce by 16 percent in one month and then make it up the next month by reducing 24 percent and so on.
Customers are automatically eligible and enrolled in the program if they have been at their current location since June 2004. Customers who meet the 20 percent reduction will receive a credit for 20 percent off their total summer electric charges on their October bill.
Customers can track their progress each month on their energy statement. (Customers who are not eligible will have no message about the 20/20 program on their bill.) PG&E also offers a customized report and energy saving tools to help customers reach the 20 percent reduction. Simply sign up for PG&E's "Customer Service On Line" or go to www.pge.com/2020 and start saving today. These simple actions show how a customer can meet the 20 percent goal.
EXAMPLE
1 No Cost Turn off six 75 watt Save 5 percent*
incandescent lights that operate
two hours each night
2 Low Cost Use dimmers, timers and motion Save 8 percent*
sensors on incandescent lights
3 Investment Purchase an Energy Star(R) Save 8 percent*
labeled refrigerator (if yours
is ten years or older)
TOTAL ELECTRIC SAVINGS Save 21 Percent
*Savings are estimates and may vary based on individual usage and
climate zones.
PG&E recognizes that some of its customers have adopted conservation in their everyday lives and will have difficultly reaching the program reduction goals. These customers are keeping their bills low, but are also to be applauded for assisting all Californians in avoiding power emergencies.
Even if customers don't participate in the 20/20 Summer Savings Program, they can still help avoid further strain to the power grid and avoid power emergencies by taking four simple steps:
-- Turn off unneeded lights, computers and appliances
-- Set thermostat to 78 degrees F or higher when you're home (health permitting)
-- Set thermostat to 85 degrees F or off when you're away (health permitting)
-- Use major appliances and equipment after 7:00 pm (off-peak)
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is committed to assisting its customers with ways to reduce power usage. Practicing conservation and installing energy efficient appliances will help save energy and money.
For More Information on Energy Saving Tips Visit Our Website at
www.pge.com/foryourhome or www.pge.com/foryourbusiness SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company
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