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As more people grow concerned about everyday costs and making ends meet, reducing energy consumption or using renewable energy sources can reduce overall household expenses. 

PG&E offers numerous energy saving tips on its website, including the ones below.

Manage temperature

• Set your thermostat at 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer, health permitting.
• Consider a space heater or ceiling fan, following the safety guidelines of all equipment.
• Open blinds and windows to warm and light home during daylight hours, or close window coverings to keep the cold out.

Reduce use of hot water

• Take shorter showers.
• Wash clothes in cold water and only run full loads.

Use electronics and appliances efficiently

• Unplug small appliances and electronics when not in use.
• Use a small lamp to spotlight your workspace instead of overhead bulbs.
• Turn down the TV brightness setting, and set automatic eco- and energy-saving features on TVs and consoles.
• Use computer sleep and hibernate modes.
• Use a power strip for all personal electronics and turn it off when they are not in use.

PG&E also offers financial assistance to pay power bills through the following programs: Family Electric Rate Assistance, Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help, Match My Payment Program and more. 

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) states that, “Installing residential renewable energy systems, such as geothermal heat pumps and wind or solar energy systems, can save energy, lower utility bills, and earn homeowners money.” 

According to the DOE website, there may be federal and state incentives to install energy systems. Information on California financial incentives, including personal and property tax relief, is available here. 

DOE lists the following about residential renewable energy: 

Geothermal heat pumps

Geothermal heat pumps, also known as ground source or water source heat pumps, transfer heat into and out of the home, using the ground as both a heat source and a heat sink. These pumps can achieve efficiencies two to three times greater than commonly used air source heat pumps because they rely on the relatively consistent ground temperatures to transfer heat to or from a home. More information is here.

Solar water heating

Solar water heaters use sunlight to heat water for the home. Solar water heating systems use insulated storage tanks and solar collectors to capture and retain heat from the sun, and heat circulating water. Solar water heaters require a backup system, such as conventional hot water heaters, when there is insufficient sunlight. More information is here. 

Solar energy systems

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight into electricity. Solar energy can generate some or all of a home’s electricity needs, depending on the number of solar panels used. It can also heat water. With ample sunlight, PV systems can supply energy in hot and cold climates. More information is here.

Residential wind power is also an option and in areas like Hollister and Tres Pinos with ample wind it could be a good renewable energy source. 

According to A1 Solar there are two types:

Horizontal-axis wind turbines dominate the residential market. They look like miniature versions of commercial wind turbines, with two or three blades spinning around a horizontal shaft. They’re more efficient than vertical designs and work better in most residential applications.

Vertical-axis wind turbines spin around a vertical shaft and can capture wind from any direction. While they’re often marketed as “quieter” or “better for turbulent wind,” they’re generally less efficient and more expensive per kilowatt-hour produced.

BenitoLink thanks our underwriter, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), for helping to cover alternative and innovative energy stories around San Benito County. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, incorporated in California in 1905, is one of the largest utility companies in the United States. All editorial decisions are made by BenitoLink.