SAN FRANCISCO, July 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The current heat wave has already produced three consecutive days of record setting electricity usage by Californians as air conditioners work to keep residents cool. With today's temperatures expected to remain high, PG&E has joined the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the agency responsible for managing the states' power grid, to urge customers to conserve electricity. Conservation efforts play a key role in helping the CAISO balance the demand for energy with the available supply.

One of the biggest users of electricity during the summer is the air conditioner, which can account for up to 40 percent of usage at home. There are several steps customers can take to conserve energy, and save money at the same time.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company is committed to helping its customers with conservation this summer and offers the following top 10 tips:

* Home Energy Savings Checklist:

* Set thermostat at 78 degrees or higher when at home (health permitting)

* Set thermostat at 85 degrees or off when away from home (health

permitting)

* Provide shading for your air conditioning condenser

* Ventilate rather than refrigerate: Try a fan rather than air

conditioning for cooling (health permitting)

* Close curtains and shades during the heat of the day

* Use major appliances and home office equipment after 7:00 p.m.

* Unplug or recycle the old, second refrigerator

* Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent lamps

* Use dimmer switches or timers on lights

* Turn off lights whenever they're not needed

Businesses of all sizes can also help conserve by turning off PC's, monitors, printers, copiers and lights every night and on the weekend. Retrofit T12 lights with magnetic ballasts to T8 lights with electronic ballasts. Retrofit incandescent or fluorescent exit signs with long lasting, low-energy LED exit signs. Also, clean dusty diffusers and lamps every 6-12 months for brighter lighting.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company is committed to assisting its customers with ways to reduce 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