PG&E gas bills spike 24% on average. Here are 9 ways you can cut use, save on your bill
PG&E customers can expect much higher gas bills this winter, but they also have unprecedented options for reducing their use.
The utility expects an average one-time increase of 24% on bills for December, January and February. It blames this on a jump in wholesale gas prices and higher demand resulting from cold weather. Customers under low-income rates will see less impact.
The good news: Government funding has increased for programs that help residents save energy. They can get rebates and tax breaks for windows, insulation, weather-stripping, heat pumps and other measures.
The biggest new shot of money is the federal Inflation Reduction Act, signed by President Joe Biden in August. It includes $389 billion for energy measures aimed at curbing climate change.
These tips for conserving gas come from PG&E, the U.S. Department of Energy and other sources:
- Keep your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower during the day and 55 at night, if health allows. Each drop of 1 degree can cut 2% from your cost.
- Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees, plenty hot for all uses.
- Wash clothes in cold water and do only full loads of laundry.
- Add insulation, weather-stripping and energy-efficient windows and doors. The new law allows an income tax credit of up to $1,200 a year for these measures.
- Replace your gas furnace with an electric heat pump, eligible for a $2,000 tax credit. These devices also cool homes in summer and use much less energy overall.
- Open curtains and blinds to warm and light your home during the day. Close them at night to help keep out the cold.
- Set ceiling fans so they blow downward (warm air rises). Switch them back to upward in air-conditioning season.
- Keep your furnace filter clean and schedule a tune-up to make sure it’s operating well.
- Don’t let furniture or other objects block your heating vents.
The Dec. 22 news release announcing the increase also said it could be less if the weather warms or the gas market eases.
“PG&E recognizes our responsibility to serve our customers safely and reliably while keeping their energy bills as low as possible,” said Vincent Davis, vice president for customer operations and enablement.
This story was originally published January 6, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
