PG&E Celebrates 4th Annual National Energy Efficiency Day

10/02/2019

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is promoting energy efficiency in recognition of the 4th annual national Energy Efficiency Day (EE Day) today October 2, 2019. Saving energy is the fastest, most effective way to cut energy bills, reduce pollution and help meet California’s clean energy goals. Energy efficiency is also an economic engine in the U.S., supporting 2.3 million jobs in manufacturing, construction and other fields – most of which can’t be outsourced overseas.

“Smarter energy use means we don’t have to generate as much power to meet customer needs. The goal of Energy Efficiency Day directly aligns with our vision to continue to build on our ongoing sustainability efforts,” said Vincent Davis, senior director of customer energy solutions at PG&E.

Everyone benefits from smarter energy use: reducing power generation demand means saving precious natural resources, as well as lowering pollution and greenhouse gas levels. There are also long term benefits associated with the avoided costs of building additional power plants. The average household, for example, saves almost $500 every year from efficiency standards for common appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and water heaters.

PG&E encourages customers to consider five easy ways to lower energy costs and save money indoors this fall.

Set thermostat for savings. Save about 2% on energy bill for each degree the thermostat is lowered (if the turndown lasts a good part of the day or night). Turning down the thermostat from 70°F to 65°F, for example, saves about 10%.
Control water temperature. Set water heater thermostat at 120°F or lower. This will reduce the amount of energy it takes to produce and maintain hot water by not overheating it.
Microwave and save. Reheating leftovers in a microwave takes less time and uses up to 80% less energy than a standard oven.
Seal air leaks. Air sealing an old or especially drafty house can save more than 20 percent on heating and cooling bills.
Use ceiling fans. Reverse ceiling fans this winter to produce a gentle updraft, forcing warm air near the ceiling down into the living space.

To learn more about PG&E’s energy efficiency efforts, visit www.pge.com, or join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #EEDay2019.

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 24,000 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 pge.com and pge.com/news.