{"id":395607,"date":"2026-07-12T13:16:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T13:16:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/395607\/"},"modified":"2026-07-12T13:16:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-12T13:16:28","slug":"ca-weather-see-tips-to-cut-cooling-costs-in-summer-heat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/395607\/","title":{"rendered":"CA weather: See tips to cut cooling costs in summer heat"},"content":{"rendered":"

Triple-digit temperatures are returning<\/a> to parts of California, and many residents are preparing for more than just the heat.<\/p>\n

As another heat wave is forecast to push temperatures above 100 degrees<\/a> in cities including Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno and Merced, running air conditioners for longer periods could send electricity bills climbing.<\/p>\n

\u201cWarmer temperatures could lead to increased electricity usage as customers often increase electricity usage<\/a> to cool their homes,\u201d Pacific Gas and Electric Co. previously told The Sacramento Bee.<\/p>\n

That added electricity use \u201ccould increase their electric bills<\/a> compared to other times of the year,\u201d PG&E said.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking to stay cool in California without driving up your monthly bill, here\u2019s what energy experts recommend to help lower summer cooling costs:<\/p>\n

BEHIND THE STORY MORE <\/a> Why we did this story <\/p>\n

Our community-driven series \u2014 How to California \u2014 is here to answer your questions<\/a> about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel in the Golden State. <\/p>\n

McClatchy\u2019s service journalism team, focused on helping our readers navigate daily life, works in communities across the state, including San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Merced, Modesto and Sacramento. <\/p>\n

Ask us your questions \u2014 big and small \u2014 by emailing howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com<\/a> or filling out a form here. <\/a><\/p>\n

\"Triple-digit Triple-digit temperatures are returning to parts of California, and many residents are preparing for more than just the heat. iStockphoto Getty Images Which PG&E programs can help lower summer energy bills?<\/p>\n

PG&E offers several free tools, rebates and financial assistance programs designed to help customers manage higher electricity costs during the summer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want customers to have the information and resources they need to make a difference at home, including programs and discounts that can help manage summer energy costs,\u201d the utility company said.<\/p>\n

One of the easiest ways to save is to make sure you\u2019re on the lowest-cost rate plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Customers can compare rate plans<\/a>, complete a free online Home Energy Checkup<\/a> for personalized energy-saving recommendations and use PG&E\u2019s Energy Action Guide to find products and programs<\/a> that fit their household\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n

Customers can also enroll in HomeIntel, a free program that pairs participants with a personal energy coach. According to PG&E, households that complete the program save an average of $350 per year<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Another option is SmartRate, which rewards customers with bill credits<\/a> for reducing electricity use between 4 and 9 p.m. on designated days when demand on the electric grid is highest.<\/p>\n

To avoid unexpectedly high bills, customers can also sign up for Budget Billing<\/a>, which spreads energy costs more evenly throughout the year, and Bill Forecast Alerts, which notify customers if their bill is projected to be higher<\/a> than usual.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor customers who need financial support, assistance programs and monthly discounts may be available, and we encourage customers to check their eligibility and explore options at pge.com\/billhelp<\/a> or use our Savings Finder<\/a> tool,\u201d PG&E said.<\/p>\n

When will California Climate Credit help lower energy bills?<\/p>\n

PG&E said California residents will receive extra help with their electricity bills<\/a> through the California Climate Credit.<\/p>\n

In previous years, the credit typically appeared on utility bills in April and October, when electricity use is generally lower.<\/p>\n

However, the California Public Utilities Commission shifted the credits in 2026 to the months<\/a> when many households see their highest energy bills.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoing forward, climate credits will be delivered during high electricity use months, when customers need relief the most,\u201d the California Public Utilities Commission said.<\/p>\n

For PG&E customers, the residential electric climate credit will appear on bills in August and September.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis summer, customers with an active electric account will receive a $36.18 California Climate on their August and September billing statements, providing a total of $72.36 in relief,\u201d PG&E said.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s when customers of other California utility companies can expect to receive their Climate Credits<\/a> and how much they\u2019ll receive:<\/p>\n

Southern California Edison \u2014 $36 in both August and SeptemberSan Diego Gas & Electric \u2014 $49.36 in both August and SeptemberBear Valley Electric Service \u2014 $17.52 in April and NovemberLiberty Utilities \u2014 $71.98 in April and NovemberPacific Power \u2014 $111.83 in April and November<\/p>\n

The list does not include Sacramento Municipal Utilities District, which covers most of Sacramento County.<\/p>\n

If your household is eligible for the California Climate Credit, the credit will automatically appear on your bill.<\/p>\n

\u201cBilling periods vary<\/a> by utility and may not always coincide with a calendar month,\u201d the California Public Utilities Commission said. \u201cIf you don\u2019t see a credit when you expect it, it should appear on the following month\u2019s bill.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Energy-saving Energy-saving tips include keeping air vents clear, using fans and unplugging devices when not in use. Steve Chenn Getty Images How can I keep my home cool while saving on costs?<\/p>\n

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, here are some energy-saving tips<\/a>:<\/p>\n

Keeping air vents clear, so your system can work efficiently.Using fans to cool your home.Unplug devices when not in use.Cleaning HVAC filters every month during peak cooling or heating seasons.Sealing air leaks by replacing old caulking and adding weatherstripping around windows and doors.Checking insulation and replace any that\u2019s damaged to help keep cool air inside.Do energy-intensive chores, such as washing dishes and laundry, until off-peak hours.Inspecting your equipment often to make sure everything\u2019s working properly.Avoid these common electricity-wasting mistakes<\/p>\n

\u201cDuring hot weather, there are a few common energy myths that can increase energy use and costs,\u201d PG&E said.<\/p>\n

According to PG&E, these include:<\/p>\n

Lowering the thermostat to 60 degrees cools your home faster.Keeping fans running in empty rooms.Devices that are plugged in but turned off don\u2019t use energy.Saving energy requires expensive home upgrades. Have a question about life in California?<\/p>\n

How to California \u2014 a guide to help you live, work and enjoy life in the Golden State, is here to help.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll answer your questions \u2014 big and small \u2014 about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.<\/p>\n

Ask your questions in the form below (can\u2019t see it? Click here<\/a>) or email howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Loading\u2026<\/p>\n

Related Stories from Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n


\n \"Profile
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Angela Rodriguez<\/a><\/p>\n

The Modesto Bee<\/p>\n

Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor\u2019s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Triple-digit temperatures are returning to parts of California, and many residents are preparing for more than just the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":395608,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[121,123,122],"class_list":["post-395607","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sacramento","tag-sacramento","tag-sacramento-headlines","tag-sacramento-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/395607","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=395607"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/395607\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/395608"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=395607"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=395607"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=395607"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}