Did you hear about those proposed changes in PG&E rate plans? In essence, there would be three rather than five rate tiers. The proposal translates into price breaks for heavier users and higher rates for lighter users. It almost feels like you are getting hit for conserving energy.
Check out the potential impact, reported in today’s news:
Customers who use 1,500 kWh per month would see their average bills drop by $108.62, from $480.08 to $371.46. But customers who use 550 kWh per month would see a $10.73 increase in their average monthly bill, from $77.40 to $88.13.
While this PG&E proposal is based on costs per kilowatt hour (kWh), keep in mind that all hours aren’t created equal anyway. Charges differ depending on whether energy is consumed during peak, part peak or off peak hours.
In this chart below, you can see the rates kick up in the middle of summer days as depicted by the purple-blue columns. The black parabola-shaped line shows energy demand, which aligns with those higher-rate times of day.
What can be done during this summer? To reduce the temperatures in your home, take a look at some window treatments that can prevent the green-house heating during the day. If you do have air-conditioning, then check the timing and controls this year.
Of course, many Oaklanders don’t even have air conditioning because our climate’s pretty moderate. We know people who do things the old fashioned way, with a couple ceiling fans and open windows to promote air flow. The air conditioning units are cranked only on the worst handful of days.
Besides the places where you consume more summertime energy, don’t forget those energy-stealers around your home. You know about light switches, but also make a little time to check out your TVs, computers and appliances that are constantly using electricity. Remember to turn off as well as unplug all these contraptions!
Start thinking about conservation again. With electricity rate changes on deck, it’s human nature to consider ways to cut consumption whenever possible. PG&E is asking for public responses to their proposal this year and expects to enact some rate adjustments by 2011 – yet there’s no excuse to put off additional home improvements.