"Warmer weather can put extra demands on household energy costs, and we want customers to know they're not navigating the summer months on their own," said Vincent Davis, PG&E Senior Vice President, Customer Experience. "By making it easier for families to find discounts, energy‑saving tools and available support, we're helping customers take meaningful steps to manage and lower their summer energy bills."
To help customers weather the summer heat, PG&E is sharing simple steps that can lower energy use and bills, while clarifying common energy myths and facts so customers can make informed choices.
Energy Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Lowering the thermostat to 60º cools your home faster
Fact: Turning the thermostat to 60º will not cool your home faster and can increase energy use. ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats can save an average California customer between $50-$78 a year, and PG&E's Automated Response Technology (ART) program automatically shifts energy use during peak demand.
Myth: Ceiling fans cool rooms
Fact: Fans cool people, not rooms. Use a ceiling fan to create a breeze without draining energy on your AC.
Myth: Plugged-in devices not in use do not increase energy use
Fact: Devices with lights, displays or timers can use power even when turned off. Unplug devices like chargers, laptops, and small kitchen appliances when not in use.
Myth: Energy savings require expensive improvements
Fact: Many improvements are low-cost, including weatherstripping, power strips and air filters. Customers can save hundreds of dollars a year on their energy bills by building an Energy Efficiency DIY Toolkit.
Energy Efficiency Support Programs
