School’s Out: PG&E Offers Parents and Students Tips for Summer Savings and Safety

06/09/2015

Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the utility’s savings programs and services

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- School will be out soon for summer and that means many kids will be home with tons of energy – and using lots of energy in the home. PG&E wants parents to know that the company offers savings and safety tips year-round, but summer is a great time for families to learn ways to save energy and money. It’s also a good opportunity to teach children how to stay safe around electricity and natural gas.

Summertime Energy and Money Saving Tips

PG&E wants customers to know that summer can be better when we save together and offers customers even more ways to save. Energy usage is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in California and by taking steps to save, parents and students can all be part of the solution to reduce the impacts of climate change.

Avoid using the oven on hot days. Instead, cook on the stove, use a microwave oven, or grill outside.
Save on cooling costs by setting your thermostat to 78°F when you're at home, health permitting. Set it to 85°F when you're away for more than a few hours.
If possible, enjoy an afternoon out at the pool, park or local library. You can also visit your community cooling centers (see www.pge.com/coolingcenter).
Wait until cooler times of the day to do tasks that make your house warmer, like laundry and cooking.
If you turn your ceiling fan on when using the air conditioner, you can raise your thermostat about 4°F to save on cooling costs with no reduction in comfort.
Turn off lights when not in use.
Unplug computers, appliances and equipment when you’re not using them.

Don't forget to take advantage of the many rebate incentives offered by PG&E for energy-efficiency purchases and improvements. From lighting to appliances to maintenance and upgrades that won’t break the bank, PG&E offers incentives to help you take control of your energy use and your monthly bill.

Complete the customized Home Energy Checkup to learn more about the energy usage in your home. Find energy saving tips, available incentives and ways you can SAVE on your bill this summer at www.pge.com/saveenergymoney.

Gas and Electric Safety in the Home

Summer is almost here and with more kids at home, PG&E urges customers to be safe and prepared for natural gas and electric emergencies in the home.

Gas leak safety

Keep a flashlight handy. Never use matches or candles to look for gas leaks, and never turn any electric switches on or off if you suspect a gas leak.
If the smell of gas continues, or if you have any doubts, open windows and doors and get everyone out of the building. Using a phone away from the building, call 9-1-1 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
Avoid causing a gas leak by calling 8-1-1 two working days before digging to have gas pipelines and other underground utility lines located and marked for FREE.
Don’t just rely on your nose to detect the presence of natural gas.
- In addition to the odor added to natural gas, the following signs may indicate the presence of a gas leak:
  - Hissing, whistling or roaring sounds
  - Damaged connections to gas appliances
  - Dead or dying vegetation in otherwise moist areas over or near pipeline areas
  - Unusual soil movement or bubbling water
  - Exposed pipeline after an earthquake, fire, flood or other disaster

Electric outage preparation and safety

Have battery operated flashlights with fresh batteries on hand.
During an outage, use battery-operated flashlights, and not candles, due to the risk of fire. If you must use candles, keep them away from drapes, lampshades and small children. Do not leave candles unattended.
Have battery operated radios with fresh batteries for updates on storm conditions and outages.
Freeze plastic containers filled with water to make blocks of ice that can be placed in your refrigerator and freezer during an outage to prevent food from spoiling.
Secure or put away any outside items such as garbage cans and lawn furniture that can be blown by high winds into overhead power lines.
If you experience an outage, unplug or turn off all electric appliances to avoid overloading circuits and to prevent fire hazards when power is restored. Simply leave a single lamp on to alert you when power returns. Turn your appliances back on one at a time when conditions return to normal.

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 utilities 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 www.pge.com/en/about/newsroom/index.page.

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