Smart tools, myth-busting tips, and assistance programs can help homes and businesses manage seasonal cooling costs
Oakland, California. As warmer temperatures increase energy use, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is connecting customers with the resources they need to stay safe and cool, and keep energy costs down this summer.
Managing cooling costs is especially important this summer, with above-average temperatures forecast by PG&E Weather Operations and increased air conditioning use. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that homeowners spend $29 billion annually on energy for their air conditioners.
“We know that warmer temperatures can increase household energy costs, and we want customers to know they’re not going through the summer months alone,” said Vincent Davis, PG&E senior vice president of Customer Experience. “By making it easier for families to find discounts, energy-saving tools, and available assistance, we’re helping customers take meaningful steps to manage and reduce their energy bills this summer.”
To help customers cope with the summer heat, PG&E shares some simple steps that can reduce energy use and bills, while clarifying common energy myths and realities so they can make informed choices.
Myths and realities about energy
Summer Resources
Customers are encouraged to check if their home qualifies for the lowest-cost rate plan. Customers can find the lowest rate by logging into their PG&E online account and using the Rate Compare tool. Savings vary based on customer type and energy usage.
Customers can also avoid bill surprises by enrolling in the free Budget Billing program and signing up for Bill Forecast Alerts. Budget Billing spreads energy costs evenly throughout the year, while Bill Forecast Alerts notify customers via email, text message, or phone if a bill is expected to exceed a customer-set amount.
The HomeIntel program offers free one-on-one help from a personal energy advisor, and customers can save an average of $350 per year. Customers can also enroll in PG&E SmartRate™, which offers a reduced rate for using less electricity between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. m. when “SmartDays” begin.
For a holiday-ready energy checklist and additional ways to improve energy efficiency, visit pge.com/summer.
Energy Efficiency Support Programs
- The Switch Is On: A statewide online resource designed to help renters and homeowners interested in switching from gas to electric appliances by connecting them with available incentives and qualified contractors.
- GoGreen Home Financing: A state program that offers affordable financing for energy efficiency improvements and helps homeowners and renters reduce their energy consumption.
Assistance programs for eligible households
PG&E is committed to helping eligible customers, based on their income, reduce and manage their monthly bills:
- California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program: Offers a monthly discount of 20% on gas bills and 35% or more on electricity bills (compared to customers not enrolled in the CARE program).
- Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program: Offers a monthly discount of 18% on electricity, regardless of the number of people in the household.
- PG&E’s Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) Program: Offers eligible customers, based on their income, a one-time credit of up to $800 on past-due bills.
- PG&E’s Match My Payment Program: Offers a matching payment, up to a maximum of $1,000, to eligible low- to moderate-income customers with past-due bills. Low-Income
- Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A federally funded, state-administered assistance program that provides a one-time payment of up to $1,500 based on past-due bills to help low-income households pay for heating or cooling. Payments may vary depending on location and fund availability.
- Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): A debt forgiveness plan for eligible residential customers.
- Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA): Offers energy-saving upgrades at no charge.
Customers may also qualify for Medical Baseline, which offers an additional energy allowance at the lowest reference rate or a discount on rate plans without reference levels, and priority service disconnection notifications for those who rely on electricity for certain medical needs. Enrollment requires certification by a qualified medical professional.
To learn more about PG&E’s assistance programs, use the free Savings Finder tool or visit pge.com/billhelp.
