Energy Savings Start with the Right Tools, Simple Actions & Assistance Programs
OAKLAND, Calif. , July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With above-average temperatures forecast to hit through this summer according to Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) Meteorology Operations, PG&E wants customers to have the resources they need to stay safe, cool and keep their energy costs down.
With increased energy use during the hot summer months, customers are encouraged to check if they are on the lowest-cost rate plan for their household to maximize savings. Customers can find their lowest rate simply by logging into their PG&E online account and using the Rate Comparison tool. Savings vary based on customer type and energy use.
Enrolling in the Budget Billing program and signing up for Bill Forecast Alerts are no-cost tools to help customers reduce billing surprises. Budget Billing averages your energy costs over the last 12 months to determine your monthly payment, so you don't have big spikes in your bill.
Bill forecast alerts provide email, text or phone notifications to customers if their monthly bill is expected to exceed a specific amount they set, based on how they are using energy.
Customers can also get a free personal energy coach by enrolling in the HomeIntel program at no cost.
"We know the challenges rising temperatures can bring and we want to connect customers with the discounts and resources they need to weather the summer heat," said Vincent Davis, PG&E Senior Vice President, Customer Experience. "A few small changes at home can make a difference, and we want to make sure families have access to support tools and programs that can reduce energy expenses."
Stabilizing Customer Bills
PG&E forecasts no additional electric rate increases for the rest of 2025. The company expects residential combined gas and electric bills to be essentially flat for the rest of 2025 and go down in 2026.
Even though bills are stabilizing, customers may see higher bills during the summer months if they use more energy to cool their homes and businesses.
Cool & Cost-Efficient Tips
Here are some ways for customers to lower monthly bills and stay energy-efficient and comfortable all season long.
No-cost:
- Dial in your comfort: Save as much as 5-10% a year on cooling costs by adjusting your thermostat 7°-10°F degrees higher for 8 hours a day from its normal setting, health permitting.
- Sun blockers: Keep your home cooler and reduce the load on your AC by closing curtains or shades to block sunlight. The simple step can save you up to $30 a year.
- Fan it: Using a ceiling fan boosts circulation, allowing you to raise the thermostat a few degrees and stay comfortable while reducing AC costs up to $15 a year.
- Be a cool cook: Using an induction cooktop for meals instead of a traditional stovetop is safer, faster, and more energy efficient than gas or electric resistance cooktops. The PG&E Induction Cooktop Loaner Program allows customers to borrow a single-burner induction cooktop and pan for two weeks at no cost.
Low-cost:
- Seal leaks: Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal any gaps around drafty doors or windows so your AC doesn't have to work overtime. Sealing air leaks can save up to $120 a year on cooling costs.
- Clean the area around your AC: Follow these simple steps to keep your AC unit running at peak performance and save up to $15 a year.
- Ditch dirty air filters: Clogged air filters make your AC work harder to circulate air. Keeping filters fresh can improve energy efficiency and save up to $15 a year.
- Go green with the right gear: With an investment in energy-efficient materials, customers can save hundreds of dollars a year on their energy bills by building an Energy Efficiency DIY Toolkit.
- Run your pool like a pro: Use a pool cover and consider installing a variable speed pool pump to curb pool energy costs. Other savings tips can add up to approximately $2,700 in combined annual savings.
For more resources to help manage summer cooling costs, including a Home Energy Checkup, SmartRate Program and Savings Finder tool, visit pge.com/summer.
Income-Eligible Assistance Programs
PG&E is committed to helping income-eligible customers lower and manage monthly bills:
- California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE): offers a monthly discount of 20% on gas and an average of 35% on electricity (compared to non-CARE bundled customers).
- Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA): new guidelines provide a monthly discount of 18% on electricity, regardless of household size.
- PG&E Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH): offers a one-time bill credit for income-eligible customers of up to $300 based on a past-due balance.
- PG&E Match My Payment Program: offers a dollar-for-dollar match up to $1,000 for qualifying low-to moderate-income customers with a past-due balance.
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): a federally funded assistance program overseen by the state that offers a one-time payment up to $1,500 on past due bills to help low-income households pay for heating or cooling in their homes. Payments may vary by location and funding availability.
- Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESA): provides energy-savings improvements at no charge.
- Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): a debt forgiveness plan for eligible residential customers.
Other programs include Medical Baseline, which offers a reduction on energy bills for customers who depend on power for certain medical needs.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news
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SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company