SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- With the official start of winter today, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) offers ways to help customers conserve and save. More energy is used in the cooler months for heating and lighting which can mean an increase in energy bills. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce the cost of keeping warm as temperatures dip this winter.

“We are here to help our customers with easy ways to manage cold weather energy costs. The first day of winter is the perfect time to follow some simple tips and take advantage of available programs that PG&E offers,” said Vincent Davis, PG&E’s senior director of energy efficiency.

Ways to Save Energy this Winter

Try these ideas to help you stay warm and safe this winter.

• Lower your thermostat when away: Save one percent on heating costs per each degree lowered over an eight hour time frame.
• Control water temperature: Set water heater thermostat at 120 degrees or lower. Save 10 percent in water heating costs for every ten degrees lowered.
• Microwave and save: Reheating leftovers in a microwave takes less time and uses up to 80 percent less energy than a standard oven.
• Upgrade Lighting: Advanced LED’s use at least 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.
• For more tips on saving energy this winter, visit www.pge.com/winter.

Helping Customers Budget for Energy

• Get started with an online account: Sign up to access Your Account at pge.com to stay on top of your energy usage and choose rate plan options that work best for you and your family. Contact our dedicated rates hotline at 1-800-743-0514 with questions.
• Sign up for PG&E Bill Forecast Alerts. Set your personal budget threshold to get an alert when your bill is forecast to exceed your threshold. Alerts are sent via email, text, or phone call.
• Find ways to make your home more efficient: Take a free online Home Energy Checkup. Answer some questions about your home in less than five minutes and learn how much you spend on heating, cooling, hot water and more. Get customized tips to make your home more efficient and cut back on energy costs.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric energy companies in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with more than 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to nearly 16 million people in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and pge.com/news.

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Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Media Relations, 415-973-5930

Source: Pacific Gas and Electric Company

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