SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company's new "Cool Roof" rebate program is the coolest in the nation. Why? It's the first and only one that offers "Cool Roof" rebates on homes with steep slope roofs, as well as flat roofs. Other utilities that offer a rebate only offer it for flat roofs.

"Cool Roofs" are made from highly reflective material that keeps roof surface temperatures relatively cool in the hot sun, which reduces attic temperatures, which reduces ceiling surface temperature, which means homeowners don't need to use the air conditioner as much. Reduced AC usage means lower energy bills.

PG&E customers who purchase a "Cool Roof" will not only get a rebate, they will see immediate energy savings. On average, customers with cool roofs reduce their air conditioning usage by an average of 10 to 20 percent, which will reduce their electric bill by 5 to 10 percent during the warm summer months.

"We are excited to give our customers this opportunity to lower their electric bills through this innovative and environmentally-friendly energy conservation technology," said Helen Burt, PG&E's senior vice president and chief customer officer. "We encourage our customers installing roofs to take full advantage of this first-of-its-kind 'Cool Roof' rebate program."

Cool Roofs are available for most roofing types, including clay, concrete and ceramic tiles, various metal roof products and shingles. Homeowners with "Cool Roofs" may also be able to install a smaller air conditioning unit when it's time to replace an older, less energy efficient model.

Rebates for cool roofs are expected to average $200 to $500 per installation, depending on the size and type of roof chosen. PG&E electric customers that own their home with an air conditioner and live in the warm inland regions of PG&E's service area are eligible for a "Cool Roof" rebate. Rebates are available through 2008.

For more information on PG&E's "Cool Roof" rebate, visit www.pge.com

SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company