Cut Your Utility Bill in Half, Without Changing Your Consumption

You read that right. You can and should do this if you are eligible. We all are aware of the current economic crisis. It hits far too many members of our community. What we are not always aware of are some of the”little” things we can do to ease our pain through that crisis. Recently, I heard that my utility, PG&E, in Northern California, gives rate discounts to low income people. While many of us don’t see ourselves as “low income”, let’s face it, if you are unemployed, underemployed, or have just given up looking, you are “low income”.

The home page of PG&E’s website encourages sign ups.  This information used to be difficult to find, but now it’s the first thing you see. When I signed up, not only did I get the benefit, but I was asked repeatedly to refer others to the program. The rates are based on your income and number of people living in your household, so even if you do have substantial other assets, you may be eligible.  If you live in Northern California, click here to see the eligibility requirements. My bill is about half of what it was before, and I am not miserly about running the heat in the winter or the air conditioner in the summer.

Free Energy Audit as Well

To make this offer more attractive, as part of the program, PG&E came to my home and did an energy audit. After the audit, they weather-stripped the doors and heating vents, and added insulation to my attic. All of that, at absolutely no charge. I even know someone who got a brand new refrigerator through this program. While the rules vary from state to state and utility to utility, most states have some sort of similar program. Don’t miss out – go to your utilities website or call to find out if you are eligible. No need to be proud. No need to waste precious dollars.

Categories: Things You Need to Know, Finance, Money Management