Pacific Gas and Electric Company Reminds Its Customers Of Cool Savings This Summer

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - Despite the unseasonable weather system that descended upon much of central and northern California during the first week of June, the summer season is officially here. As temperatures rise so, too, does demand for electricity. That's why PG&E is reminding its residential, agriculture and small business customers about its new 20/20 Summer Savings Program.

Customers who reduce electricity usage by 20 percent for four summer months - June 1, through September 30 - will receive a 20 percent credit on electric charges for those months. Customers who meet this goal will save twice - 20 percent each month in reduced usage charges, and then another 20 percent credit for the months of June-September (the credit will appear on October's bill). Customers, however, must reduce their usage cumulatively over the four program months. For example, if a customer reduces electricity usage by only 18 percent in June, they can still qualify for the savings by reducing 22 percent the following month.

As long as the four months collectively total at least 20 percent, customers will reap the reward.

"PG&E recognizes and thanks our many customers who have done a tremendous job of conserving electricity since the energy crisis," says Tom Bottorff senior vice president of customer services. "However, conservation is still needed statewide this summer to help avoid power emergencies."

Because of power shortage concerns in southern California, the California Public Utilities Commission made the decision to implement a statewide 20/20 program for all three investor-owned utilities (PG&E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas and Electric) to encourage customers to conserve this summer.

There's no sign up involved. Customers are automatically enrolled and are being notified of eligibility on their June bills (if a customer is ineligible, no message will appear). To qualify, customers must have been at their current location (home or business) since June 1, 2004 and remain on their current rate schedule. Approximately 4 million of PG&E's residential, agriculture and small business customers qualify for the program.