| Washing Machine (cold water) | $0.04 / load |
| Washing Machine (warm/cold) | $0.34 / load |
| Washing Machine (hot/warm) | $0.88 / load |
electric clothes dryer $0.33 – 0.56 / load
| Gas clothes dryer | $0.12 – 0.15 / load |
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Understand My Usage
Understand My Usage
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Understanding Baseline Quantities
Understanding Baseline Quantities
Understanding Baseline Quantities
Find your baseline quantity
The baseline rate structure provides residential customers with a minimum quantity of electricity and gas at the lowest possible cost, while offering an incentive to conserve energy. A monthly baseline quantity is indicated on each bill you receive, based on the number of billing days in your cycle. (You can find the number of billing days beginning on page 3 of your monthly bill.) Energy use below the baseline amount is billed at a lower rate than is energy use over the baseline. To determine your monthly baseline quantity, do the following:
- View our baseline quantities territory map below or locate your baseline territory on your bill.
- Multiply your daily quantity by the number of billing days (indicated on page 3 of your monthly bill)
Baseline Quantities by Territory for Single Family Dwellings
| Baseline Area X | |||
| Electric - Code B Basic Quantities | Summer: 12.1 | Winter: 12.6 | |
| Electric - Code H All-Electric Quantities | Summer: 12.2 | Winter: 22.9 | |
| Gas | Summer: 0.62 | Winter: 2.05 | |
Roll your cursor over the region where you live to determine your baseline quantity amount. [Our current gas baseline quantities went into effect on April 1, 2006. Electric baseline quantities went into effect on May 1, 2006.]
Click Find your baseline quantity to determine your baseline quantity amount based on the region where you live.
Determining Baseline Quantities
Service territories are divided into climate zones that reflect energy consumption needs. Each zone, or "rate schedule," is allocated a daily quantity of kilowatthours (kwh) of electric power and therms of natural gas that can be billed at a lower, "baseline" rate.
The Public Utilities (PU) Code establishes baseline quantities for average residential gas and electricity use within each baseline territory. The PU code specifically requires that baseline quanties fall between 50 and 60 percent of average use for basic-electric customers in both the summer and winter and for all-electric and gas customer in the summer. The PU code also requires that baseline quantities fall between 60 to 70 percent of average use for all-electric and gas customers in the winter. PG&E's baseline summer season is April 1 - October 31 for gas and May 1 - October 31 for electric. PG&E's winter baseline season is November 1 - March 31 for gas and November 1 - April 30 for electric. To give customers the highest baseline quantities possible, PG&E sets baseline quantities at the highest end of the ranges specified by the PU Code. Daily baseline quantities are recalculated and submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for approval approximately every three years, and may be phased-in on an annual basis if necessary to mitigate bill impacts.
Though baseline quantities vary by territory, season and customers' heating sources, baseline rates are the same for all residential customers on the same rate schedule - regardless of the size of individual homes and number of occupants. Some customers may be eligible for additional medical baseline quantity allowances if established criteria are met.
Rate structures
Until recently, both gas and electricity were billed on a two-tier rate structure. Since June 1, 2001, electric usage has been billed on a five-tier rate structure due to the energy procurement surcharge.
The two-tier rate structure remains in effect for gas usage.
Electric
Rates for Tier 1—the baseline tier—will continue to be billed at the baseline rate; rates in Tiers 2, 3, 4 and 5 apply to electric use beyond set baseline quantities. Customers are billed at the baseline rate for electric use up to the baseline limit. Use beyond this level is charged at the "over baseline" rate, which is priced at a higher level. (Page 3 or 4 of your monthly bill illustrates this.)
5-Tier Rate Structure for Electric Use
| Tier # | Description |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Up to the Baseline amount |
| Tier 2 | Electricity usage from 101% to 130% of Baseline |
| Tier 3 | Electricity usage from 131% to 200% of Baseline |
| Tier 4 | Electricity usage from 201% to 300% of Baseline |
| Tier 5 | Electricity usage in excess of 300% of Baseline |
Gas
Gas usage remains at a two-tier structure. Rates for Tier 1—the baseline tier—will continue to be billed at the baseline rate; Tier 2 rates ("over baseline") apply to gas use beyond set baseline quantities. Customers are billed at the baseline rate for gas use up to the baseline limit. Use beyond this level is charged at the "over baseline" rate, which is priced at a higher level. (Page 3 of your monthly bill illustrates this.)
NOTE: Prior to June 1, 2001, bills for customers on rate schedule E-8 were not affected by baseline territory and baseline quantity. Now, however, the energy procurement surcharge will be applied according to the baseline quantity that would apply if these customers were on schedule E-1, the primary residential rate schedule.
Customer Service Online
Customer Service Online
2/24/2010 Bill Highlights
 Energy Charges: | Your energy charges were $212.36 lower for this bill. |
| Gas Usage: | A change in your average gas usage per day caused a $99 decrease for this bill. |
| Billing Period: | A shorter billing period decreased your Electric usage causing a $70 decrease for this bill compared to the previous bill. |
| Electric Usage: | The change in your average electric usage per day caused a $34 decrease for this bill. |
 Electric Rate: | A change in your electric rate caused a $29 increase in your bill this month. |
| Billing Period: | A shorter billing period decreased your Gas usage causing a $14 decrease for this bill compared to the previous bill. |
| Weather: | The weather decreased your charges by $9 - $15. |
| Gas Rate: | A change in your gas rate caused a $6 increase in your bill this month. |
Energy Saving Tips
Energy Saving Tips: "Energy Saving Tips
Follow these tips to save on energy costs
* Install these energy-efficient measures:
o Replace and recycle your old refrigerator and purchase energy-efficient models. Units only 10 years old can use twice as much electricity as a new ENERGY STAR® labeled model.
o Insulate ceilings to R-38 levels if your attic has less than R-19.
o Caulk windows, doors and anywhere air leaks in or out. Do not caulk around water heater and furnace exhaust pipes.
o Weatherstrip around windows and doors.
o Wrap heating and cooling ducts with duct wrap, or use mastic sealant.
o Install energy-saver showerheads.
* When buying new appliances, be sure to purchase energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® labeled models.
* Set the furnace thermostat at 68 degrees or lower, and the air-conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting. 3 percent to 5 percent more energy is used for each degree the furnace is set above 68 degrees and for each degree the air conditioner is set below 78 degrees.
* If your old air conditioner is on its way out replace it with ENERGY STAR® labeled energy-efficient model.
* Use compact fluorescent lamps. You can lower your lighting bill by converting to energy-efficient low-wattage compact fluorescent lighting and fixtures.
* Replace old windows with new high performance dual pane windows.
* Clean or replace furnace and air-conditioner filters regularly, following manufacturer's instructions.
* 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. Follow the manufacturer's direction on yearly maintenance to extend the life of your unit.
* 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 or electric bill for heating the 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.
* Defrost refrigerators and freezers before ice buildup becomes 1/4-inch thick.
* Install shades, awnings or sunscreens on windows facing south and/or west to block summer light. In winter, open shades on sunny days to help warm rooms.
* Close the damper when the fireplace is not being used. Try not to use the fireplace and central heating system at the same time."
Follow these tips to save on energy costs
* Install these energy-efficient measures:
o Replace and recycle your old refrigerator and purchase energy-efficient models. Units only 10 years old can use twice as much electricity as a new ENERGY STAR® labeled model.
o Insulate ceilings to R-38 levels if your attic has less than R-19.
o Caulk windows, doors and anywhere air leaks in or out. Do not caulk around water heater and furnace exhaust pipes.
o Weatherstrip around windows and doors.
o Wrap heating and cooling ducts with duct wrap, or use mastic sealant.
o Install energy-saver showerheads.
* When buying new appliances, be sure to purchase energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® labeled models.
* Set the furnace thermostat at 68 degrees or lower, and the air-conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting. 3 percent to 5 percent more energy is used for each degree the furnace is set above 68 degrees and for each degree the air conditioner is set below 78 degrees.
* If your old air conditioner is on its way out replace it with ENERGY STAR® labeled energy-efficient model.
* Use compact fluorescent lamps. You can lower your lighting bill by converting to energy-efficient low-wattage compact fluorescent lighting and fixtures.
* Replace old windows with new high performance dual pane windows.
* Clean or replace furnace and air-conditioner filters regularly, following manufacturer's instructions.
* 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. Follow the manufacturer's direction on yearly maintenance to extend the life of your unit.
* 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 or electric bill for heating the 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.
* Defrost refrigerators and freezers before ice buildup becomes 1/4-inch thick.
* Install shades, awnings or sunscreens on windows facing south and/or west to block summer light. In winter, open shades on sunny days to help warm rooms.
* Close the damper when the fireplace is not being used. Try not to use the fireplace and central heating system at the same time."
SmartMeter™ Benefits
SmartMeter™ Benefits: "SmartMeter™ Benefits
* RSS
* Print
More control over your energy use and costs
The SmartMeter™ system allows you to view your hourly electric and daily gas energy usage data. So now you can easily find out exactly how much energy you are using over the course of the day, week, or month—valuable information you can use to make smarter energy choices. Just go to MyAccount any time to get a detailed picture of your usage.*"
* RSS
More control over your energy use and costs
The SmartMeter™ system allows you to view your hourly electric and daily gas energy usage data. So now you can easily find out exactly how much energy you are using over the course of the day, week, or month—valuable information you can use to make smarter energy choices. Just go to MyAccount any time to get a detailed picture of your usage.*"
uh, huh..
PG&E Tariffs
Most residential customers in California are billed on a tiered rate structure, effectively charging high-usage customers more expensive rates ($/kWh) than low usage, or average, customers. Your energy rate, and thus your total cost of electricity, is based upon the total amount of energy consumed per day. The baseline amount of energy provided is the least expensive power, but as you consume more, the rates can escalate to almost 350% percent of the baseline prices. For example, from 2005 to 2008 in PG&E territory, Tier 5 rates increased nearly 70%, causing bills for the highest energy consumers to rise by as much as 30-50%. Fortunately, a solar system offsets the highest priced power first and leaves the customer only paying for the least expensive power that they consume.
SmartMeterâ„¢ Benefits
SmartMeter
SmartMeter™ Benefits
More control over your energy use and costs
The SmartMeter™ system allows you to view your hourly electric and daily gas energy usage data. So now you can easily find out exactly how much energy you are using over the course of the day, week, or month—valuable information you can use to make smarter energy choices. Just go to MyAccount any time to get a detailed picture of your usage.*
SmartMeter™ Facts
SmartMeter™ Facts: "Qualifies you for the electric SmartRate™ program
Out of 25,000 SmartMeter™ customer s enrolled in SmartRate throughout PG&E's service area, nearly 70% saved on their summer energy bills in 2009. Residential customers saved up to $500, with an average savings of $30."
Out of 25,000 SmartMeter™ customer s enrolled in SmartRate throughout PG&E's service area, nearly 70% saved on their summer energy bills in 2009. Residential customers saved up to $500, with an average savings of $30."
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