December 3, 2009 - Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) customers can expect average natural gas bills to be about four percent higher this month than in December of last year. Small increases in charges for transmission, distribution and mandated social programs, as well as higher forecast usage are expected to be offset slightly by a modest decline in gas prices. The price of the natural gas has been favorable due to high storage levels and lower demand.
Natural gas costs can change quickly during the winter months depending on weather and market conditions. PG&E takes steps to protect our customers from severe price spikes, including smart purchasing decisions, financial hedging against potential price spikes, and using our extensive pipeline and storage infrastructure to help us manage gas purchase costs. PG&E passes the wholesale price of gas through to customers without mark-up.
Customers can also take steps to help reduce their gas bills, as well. Simply turning down your thermostat by just one or two degrees and installing weather stripping in your home, are two easy ways to save on your winter heating bills.
Gas saving tips:
* Set the furnace thermostat at 68 degrees or lower, health permitting. Three to five percent more energy is used for each degree the furnace is set above 68 degrees.
* Clean or replace furnace filters regularly, following manufacturer's instructions.
* Fix defective plumbing or dripping faucets. A single dripping hot water faucet can waste 212 gallons of water a month. That not only increases water bills, but also increases the gas bill for heating the water.
* Install energy-saver showerheads.
* Set the water heater thermostat at 140 degrees or "normal", if you have a dishwasher. Otherwise, set it at 120 degrees or "low." Check your dishwasher to see if you can use 120 degree water.
* Wash only full loads in a dishwasher and use the shortest cycle that will get your dishes clean. If operating instructions allow, turn off the dishwasher before the drying cycle, open the door and let the dishes dry naturally.
* When buying new appliances, be sure to purchase energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® labeled models.
* Replace old windows with new high performance dual pane windows
* Close the damper when the fireplace is not being used. Try not to use the fireplace and central heating system at the same time.
* Caulk windows, doors and anywhere air leaks in or out. Do not caulk around water heater and furnace exhaust pipes. Weatherstrip around windows and doors. Wrap heating ducts with duct wrap, or use mastic sealant. Insulate ceilings to R-30 or higher if your attic has less than R-11 levels.
* During winter, open shades on sunny days to help warm rooms.
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