""One thing you can do is set your thermostat to a lower rate; every degree you lower, you save 1% on your energy bill, which can help," McFarland said. For those who qualify, PG&E offers several programs, like the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program, which provides monthly discounts on gas and electricity. "I think people started turning on their heating sooner than last year, I know I did," said Jane Elias from Bay Area Regional Energy Network."
""We know it's been a cold season; whenever we have cold snaps, customers use their heat more, their houses are cold," said Megan McFarland from PG&E. This month, PG&E bills are estimated be 18% higher than this time last year. The price of natural gas is rising nationally. The utility says that lowering your thermostat is more energy efficient than cranking up your gas fireplace if you have one, which can be expensive."
Bay Area residents experienced an unusually cold, gloomy December, increasing home heating use. PG&E reports that customer bills this month are estimated about 18% higher than the same time last year. National natural gas prices are rising, contributing to the increase. Lowering thermostats saves about 1% on energy bills per degree and is more efficient than using gas fireplaces. PG&E offers programs such as the Family Electric Rate Assistance Program to provide monthly discounts for qualifying customers. The Bay Area Regional Energy Network recommends sealing drafts, replacing heater filters, and offers the Ease program to fund energy upgrades for eligible low and moderate-income homeowners.
Read at ABC7 San Francisco
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]