PG&E Corporation reports developments tied to its regulated utility subsidiary, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across Northern and Central California. News commonly covers earnings, rate and bill-credit programs, grid reliability, wildfire prevention, emergency response, and customer safety communications.
Company updates also address electric-vehicle integration, residential electrification tools, the PG&E PowerHouse demonstration lab, and the Diablo Canyon Power Plant. Operational announcements often focus on sensor data, machine learning, smart meters, bidirectional charging, and programs intended to support a safer and more resilient electric system.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PCG) has received approval for the first national vehicle-to-grid (V2G) export compensation mechanism in California, aimed at incentivizing commercial electric vehicle (EV) adoption. This innovative rate structure allows EVs to export energy to the grid during peak demand, enhancing grid reliability. The settlement with the Vehicle-Grid Integration Council and others was approved on October 20, 2022. With over 420,000 EVs sold in its service area, PG&E is positioned to capitalize on this trend, aligning with California’s decarbonization goals.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is launching a program on October 24 to provide 1,500 free trees to eligible customers in Northern and Central California. Through the Energy-Saving Trees initiative, customers can reserve one tree delivered directly to their address. The program aims to promote energy conservation, improve air quality, and enhance community well-being. Trees available include Japanese Lilac, Kousa Dogwood, Little Leaf Linden, and Service Berry.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (NYSE: PCG) has identified energy vampire appliances that unnecessarily consume electricity while turned off, accounting for over 10% of home energy use. These include devices like televisions and modems. To combat this, PG&E recommends using Energy Star certified appliances, utilizing power strips, and unplugging devices when not in use. Additionally, the Home Energy Checkup tool offers tailored energy-saving tips. Visit pge.com for more information.
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is promoting earthquake safety awareness on International ShakeOut Day, October 20. As California is prone to earthquakes, PG&E urges customers to prepare an emergency plan, ensure their preparedness kit is updated, and have their buildings inspected for safety. The company emphasizes the importance of the 'Drop, Cover and Hold On' technique during seismic events. They provide guidelines on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake, including checking gas and electric lines for safety.
Pacific Gas and Electric (NYSE:PCG) has awarded $250,000 in grants to support local Fire Safe Councils (FSCs) across eight counties in California. These funds will facilitate ten projects aimed at reducing wildfire risks, with completion expected by year-end. Since 2014, PG&E has provided over $17 million to enhance community fire safety. The grants empower local organizations to improve evacuation routes and create fuel breaks, contributing to overall community resilience against increasing wildfire threats.
PG&E is collaborating with CAL FIRE and the National Fire Protection Association for National Fire Preparedness Week, providing critical safety information to Californians as wildfire season peaks. Key recommendations include creating two escape routes, preparing a 72-hour emergency kit, and designating a meeting place. PG&E's Safety Action Center offers resources for emergency planning and home fire safety, including a digital video series on fire-resistant home tips. PG&E serves over 16 million people in Northern and Central California.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PCG) reported over 100 incidents of tree branches falling onto powerlines this year, posing risks for outages and ignitions. The company's Senior Director of Wildfire Risk Management, Andrew Abranches, urged homeowners and tree crews to contact PG&E before starting tree work near powerlines. PG&E emphasizes the importance of safety evaluations and adherence to vegetation clearance requirements, inspecting over 100,000 miles of electric lines annually to mitigate risks. For more tips on safe tree trimming, visit www.pge.com/powerlinesafety.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is enhancing customer resources for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) this autumn due to weather conditions that elevate fire risks. The company reported an 88% reduction in customers affected by PSPS in 2021 compared to 2020. New offerings include a $300 rebate for generators in high fire-threat areas, hotel discounts during outages, and expanded transportation to Community Resource Centers. PG&E aims to improve notification processes for outages, assuring timely communication with customers.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (NYSE:PCG) emphasizes energy efficiency on National Energy Efficiency Day.
PG&E aims to help customers reduce bills through energy-saving programs and initiatives year-round. Since 2013, over 1.2 million residential customers have utilized the Home Energy Checkup tool, leading to tailored recommendations for energy savings.
The company encourages sustainable choices, suggesting actions like adjusting thermostats and air sealing to lower energy costs as part of their commitment to customer service and environmental responsibility.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (NYSE:PCG) announced that over 5 million electric customers will receive a $39.30 California Climate Credit on their October bills, up from last year's $17. This credit is part of California's climate change initiative and aims to reduce customer energy bills. For the first time, eligible small business customers will also receive this credit. By year-end, total credits will exceed $126. PG&E continues to support customers with various programs to help save energy costs.