PG&E winter savings tips

Easy tips for cold weather savings

Browse this selection of easy tips and projects, energy-saving products and important safety messages.

Choose View

Set your thermostat for savings

You can save about 2% of your heating bill for each degree that you lower the thermostat (if the turndown lasts a good part of the day or night). Turning down the thermostat from 70°F to 65°F, for example, saves about 10%.

Control your water temperature

Set your water heater thermostat at 120°F or lower. This way you'll reduce the amount of energy it takes to produce and maintain your hot water by not overheating it. This short video offers easy instructions on how to properly set your water heater temperature.

Microwave and save

Reheating leftovers in a microwave takes less time and uses up to 80% less energy than a standard oven.

Want to save even more? Find out which energy-saving upgrades may also qualify for rebates.

Explore rebate opportunities

Finance up to $50,000 for 15 years at competitive rates through the State of California-administered Residential Energy Efficiency Loan program available in all counties.

Learn more at the GoGreen Financing website

Stay informed with Outage Alerts

PG&E notifies you when your service is impacted, giving you information about the cause of the outage as well as when you can expect the power back on. Choose to be notified via text, email or phone. Visit the Profile & Alerts section of Your Account and click on "Outages" to set your preferences. Be sure to save changes.

Update now

Stay safe with a buffer zone around your space heater

Prevent fires by keeping a 3-foot buffer zone around your space heater at all times. Never leave your heater unattended while you’re sleeping or away from home.

Consider installing an automatic gas-shutoff for emergencies

If there's an earthquake or other disaster, an automatic gas-shutoff valve will immediately stop the flow of gas. This prevents fires if a gas line in your home breaks.

Learn how to install a gas shutoff device

Get smart about thermostats

Install and properly set a programmable thermostat. Use the thermostat's pre-programmed energy-saving set points as a guide, setting the temperature back in the winter and up in the summer. With proper use, programmable thermostats can save about $180 every year in energy costs.

Upgrade your lighting

Residential LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. By replacing your home's five most frequently used light fixtures or bulbs with models that have earned the ENERGY STAR, you can save $75 each year.

Use and switch off power strips

Many computers, televisions, and other devices draw power even when they’re turned off. Use an advanced power strip to reduce your electricity use and save up to $100 per year.

Insulate your electric water heater

The average household spends more than $250 per year on water heating. It’s the second largest energy expenditure behind heating and cooling.

Keep warm air moving

Reverse your fan in winter to produce a gentle updraft, forcing warm air near the ceiling down into the living space.

Stop drafts in their tracks

Save up to 10% (more than $200) on annual energy bills by reducing drafts and saving energy by sealing holes around pipes, wiring, vents or recessed lights with spray foam or caulk.