Less gas, more money

PG&E’s gas-savings program could lower your heating bill

This article was published on 01.24.13

Pacific Gas and Electric’s Winter Gas Savings Program—which was instituted in 2005 to help conserve natural gas during peak months—is set to award more than 2 million of its customers with gas-bill credits, according to a PG&E press release. The gas-bill credit provides eligible customers with a credit of up to 20 percent based on gas usage over the previous three winters. Here are some tips for reducing your gas usage:

• Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees during the daytime, and 55 degrees at night, if it is safe to do so.

• Cut your shower time in half to reduce water-heating costs by a third.

• Open your curtains or blinds on sunny days to help warm the house.

• Wash clothes in cold water rather than hot.

• Cleaning your dryer’s lint trap before every load can save you up to $34 annually.

• Microwave small amounts of food rather than heating them in your oven.

Go to www.pge.com/wintergassavings for more information on the program.