Missed our Understanding Your Electricity Bill webinar? No worries – we've got you covered! From understanding what contributes to seasonal bill changes to helpful tips and resources for managing your bill year-round, here’s a quick recap to get you caught up. You can also watch the recorded webinar here.
Part 1: Higher Winter Energy Bills
Why are energy bills higher in the winter?
San Francisco is known as a winter-peaking region. What does that mean exactly? It means that energy usage is highest during winter months (December – mid-March) compared to other months of the year. As a result, we tend to see higher bills during this time. Additionally, the colder, darker months of the year often come with changes to your energy use, including the use of more heating and lighting, including holiday lights.
What else is causing higher energy bills this winter?
CleanPowerSF customers will continue to see savings compared to PG&E. The average residential customer will save $8 per month on their bill.
On January 1, 2024, PG&E’s electricity rates increased again. The new rates affect all PG&E customers, including Community Choice Aggregation (CCAs) programs like CleanPowerSF that provide electricity generation services to about 380,000 San Franciscans.
Because of the recent rate increase, the average monthly PG&E bill for electricity and gas services are expected to increase by over $30 per month. Many customers may see these changes reflected on your next bill.
Rates for CleanPowerSF generation service have not changed. CleanPowerSF customers continue to see savings due to lower generations rates compared to PG&E. In fact, the average residential CleanPowerSF customer will see about $ 8 in savings each month.
Part 2: Understanding Your Bill
As you know, CleanPowerSF is your local, clean electricity provider in San Francisco. We power your everyday life, including your television, microwave, and more. To pay for the electricity, you receive a monthly electric bill sent by PG&E. Here’s a breakdown to help you better understand it:
Electric rates are the cost for using electricity in your home or business. Generally, electric rates cover the costs of producing power (generation) and delivering it (distribution and transmission).
PG&E electric delivery charges is the cost for the delivery of electricity to your home or business. It includes the cost of maintaining the power lines and responding to outages in your area. PG&E sets the rates that determine these charges.
CleanPowerSF electric generation charges are the cost of sourcing the electricity used at your home or business. This is not an additional charge. This charge replaces the charge you would receive from PG&E if PG&E sourced your electricity instead of CleanPowerSF.
The total cost of your electricity bill is typically based on how much energy you use. This varies depending on your rate plan (Time-of-Use, Tiered Rates or Electric Vehicle) or if you are enrolled in a discount program.
To learn more, view our CleanPowerSF Residential page.
Part 3: Bill Assistance and Ways to Save
What assistance programs are available to help manage my bill?
CARE: Monthly 20% or more discount on electricity and gas
FERA: Monthly 18% discount on electricity for households with 3 or more people
To apply and see eligibility, visit pge.com/carefera or call PG&E at (800) 743-2273
Budget Billing: allows you to pay the same monthly payments on your energy costs year-round by averaging your monthly energy costs, allowing you to avoid winter energy cost spikes. This program is free to enroll.
Enroll at pge.com/budgetbilling or call PG&E at (800) 743-2273
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): apply for a one-time bill credit per year to help with energy bills and to prevent utility shutoffs for eligible applicants
Call Peninsula Energy Services at (415) 416-6660 or apply online at caliheapapply.com
For further information and additional discount programs visit Lower Your Bill
What are other ways I can save on my bill?
There are actions you can take at home that can help you reduce the amount of energy you use. This can help reduce your bill costs, especially during the winter months.
Check the hour before using power. Schedule high-energy activities such as dishwashing or laundry before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m. to avoid peak electricity rates.
Keep it cool. Most household energy is used for heating and cooling purposes. Reduce your electricity use by keeping your refrigerator temperature at 38° F and your water heater at 120° F. Wash your clothes on warm or cold cycles.
Use small appliances. When possible, cook in a toaster oven instead of a regular oven or use a space heater instead of a central thermostat. Smaller appliances use less electricity.
Plug electronics into power strips and turn off when not in use. These electronics continue to use energy if they’re plugged in!
For more ways to save, visit Tips for Saving Energy.
Questions? Contact Us
Still have questions about your bill? We’re here to help! Contact CleanPowerSF Customer Service at (415) 554-0773 or cleanpowersf@sfwater.org.