Struggling with higher energy costs in California heat? PG&E shares ways to save
Triple-digit temperatures are returning to parts of California, and many residents are preparing for more than just the heat.
As another heat wave is forecast to push temperatures above 100 degrees in cities including Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno and Merced, running air conditioners for longer periods could send electricity bills climbing.
“Warmer temperatures could lead to increased electricity usage as customers often increase electricity usage to cool their homes,” Pacific Gas and Electric Co. previously told The Sacramento Bee.
That added electricity use “could increase their electric bills compared to other times of the year,” PG&E said.
If you’re looking to stay cool in California without driving up your monthly bill, here’s what energy experts recommend to help lower summer cooling costs:
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Which PG&E programs can help lower summer energy bills?
PG&E offers several free tools, rebates and financial assistance programs designed to help customers manage higher electricity costs during the summer.
“We want customers to have the information and resources they need to make a difference at home, including programs and discounts that can help manage summer energy costs,” the utility company said.
One of the easiest ways to save is to make sure you’re on the lowest-cost rate plan.
Customers can compare rate plans, complete a free online Home Energy Checkup for personalized energy-saving recommendations and use PG&E’s Energy Action Guide to find products and programs that fit their household’s needs.
Customers can also enroll in HomeIntel, a free program that pairs participants with a personal energy coach. According to PG&E, households that complete the program save an average of $350 per year.
Another option is SmartRate, which rewards customers with bill credits for reducing electricity use between 4 and 9 p.m. on designated days when demand on the electric grid is highest.
To avoid unexpectedly high bills, customers can also sign up for Budget Billing, which spreads energy costs more evenly throughout the year, and Bill Forecast Alerts, which notify customers if their bill is projected to be higher than usual.
“For customers who need financial support, assistance programs and monthly discounts may be available, and we encourage customers to check their eligibility and explore options at pge.com/billhelp or use our Savings Finder tool,” PG&E said.
When will California Climate Credit help lower energy bills?
PG&E said California residents will receive extra help with their electricity bills through the California Climate Credit.
In previous years, the credit typically appeared on utility bills in April and October, when electricity use is generally lower.
However, the California Public Utilities Commission shifted the credits in 2026 to the months when many households see their highest energy bills.
“Going forward, climate credits will be delivered during high electricity use months, when customers need relief the most,” the California Public Utilities Commission said.
For PG&E customers, the residential electric climate credit will appear on bills in August and September.
“This summer, customers with an active electric account will receive a $36.18 California Climate on their August and September billing statements, providing a total of $72.36 in relief,” PG&E said.
Here’s when customers of other California utility companies can expect to receive their Climate Credits and how much they’ll receive:
- Southern California Edison — $36 in both August and September
- San Diego Gas & Electric — $49.36 in both August and September
- Bear Valley Electric Service — $17.52 in April and November
- Liberty Utilities — $71.98 in April and November
- Pacific Power — $111.83 in April and November
The list does not include Sacramento Municipal Utilities District, which covers most of Sacramento County.
If your household is eligible for the California Climate Credit, the credit will automatically appear on your bill.
“Billing periods vary by utility and may not always coincide with a calendar month,” the California Public Utilities Commission said. “If you don’t see a credit when you expect it, it should appear on the following month’s bill.”
How can I keep my home cool while saving on costs?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, here are some energy-saving tips:
- Keeping air vents clear, so your system can work efficiently.
- Using fans to cool your home.
- Unplug devices when not in use.
- Cleaning HVAC filters every month during peak cooling or heating seasons.
- Sealing air leaks by replacing old caulking and adding weatherstripping around windows and doors.
- Checking insulation and replace any that’s damaged to help keep cool air inside.
- Do energy-intensive chores, such as washing dishes and laundry, until off-peak hours.
- Inspecting your equipment often to make sure everything’s working properly.
Avoid these common electricity-wasting mistakes
“During hot weather, there are a few common energy myths that can increase energy use and costs,” PG&E said.
According to PG&E, these include:
- Lowering the thermostat to 60 degrees cools your home faster.
- Keeping fans running in empty rooms.
- Devices that are plugged in but turned off don’t use energy.
- Saving energy requires expensive home upgrades.
