November 8, 2005 > PG&E programs can save consumers money

Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced two major new initiatives to help consumers manage the high natural gas prices hitting California and the nation this winter.

"This winter's high natural gas prices call for utilities to be creative and resourceful in assisting their customers," said Peter A. Darbee, PG&E Corporation President and CEO. "We are answering that call with the Winter Gas Savings Program. By becoming the first utility in the country to launch this kind of program, we're letting customers know they can count on PG&E for help."

The two-part program includes an incentive program offering customers a 20 percent discount for reducing their gas usage by 10 percent or more, and a winter gas cost deferral program, which would postpone collection of nearly nine percent of winter gas costs until the spring and summer months, when bills are much lower.

Natural gas prices are at record-high levels across the country, due to high demand for the fuel and the disruption of a significant portion of the nation's overall supply caused by hurricane damage to the natural gas infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico. Natural gas bills for PG&E's customers for the remainder of the winter are expected to be 50-60 percent higher compared to last year; bills are increasing much more elsewhere in the country.

PG&E buys natural gas from suppliers and provides it to customers at cost. As a result they do not profit from higher natural gas prices. Instead, PG&E is paid a set fee to deliver gas, which doesn't change when gas prices go up.

For more information on Energy Savings Programs visit www.pge.com or call 1 (800) 743-5000.