Utilities setup and providers in California: Identify local utility providers. Research utility plan options. Set up online accounts. Understand billing cycles. Check transfer or setup fees. Consider smart home integration. Use budget billing plans. Monitor usage alerts. Explore renewable energy options. Access emergency outage information.
Identify local utility providers.
To identify local utility providers in California, residents can contact companies such as Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E), and Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) for electricity and natural gas services. For further assistance, you can visit the California Public Utilities Commission which offers resources and information to help consumers navigate their utility options and needs.
Research utility plan options.
The California Electric Rates Comparison Website, launched by the California Public Utilities Commission, allows residential consumers to compare electric rates from investor-owned utilities and Community Choice Aggregators using a zip code, city, or county. This platform provides access to joint rate mailers and assistance programs like CARE and LIHEAP. For more information and to explore how these rates may impact you, visit the California Electric Rates Comparison Website.
Set up online accounts.
To set up an online account with PG&E, you need your account number, phone number, or the last four digits of your Social Security Number. You can create an account, sign in, and manage your service requests, including starting, stopping, or transferring service, through the online portal.
Understand billing cycles.
In California, utility billing cycles can vary; for example, St. Helena has transitioned to a bimonthly billing cycle where customers pay every two months instead of monthly, without changing the overall cost. In contrast, other cities like Hemet issue monthly bills with billing periods lasting 28 to 35 days. To learn more about the specific cycles and how they affect billing, you can visit the Bimonthly Utility Billing page provided by the City of St. Helena.
Check transfer or setup fees.
In California, setting up utility services often involves connection fees, such as a $10 fee for electric service and a $20 fee for water service, along with deposits that are typically two and a half times the estimated average monthly bill for residential services. To learn more about initiating these services and to find specific information regarding the fees and deposits, you can visit the New Service Sign-Up page on the City of Colton's website.
Consider smart home integration.
The California Energy-Smart Homes Program, available through utilities like PG&E, SoCalGas, SCE, and SDG&E, offers incentives for adopting advanced energy measures and all-electric construction, integrating smart home technologies to support building electrification and climate objectives. The program includes whole building electrification, smart thermostats, and energy management systems that enable two-way communication with the grid to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs. For more information, visit the California Energy-Smart Homes Program website.
Use budget billing plans.
The Budget Billing Plan offered by Southern California Edison (SCE) allows eligible customers to pay their annual electricity service in 11 equal monthly payments, based on their previous 12 months of usage, with a settlement bill in the 12th month to adjust for any differences in actual usage. The plan is available to various rate categories and requires a minimum base amount of $5 and an active account without certain restrictions like Net Energy Metering (NEM).
Monitor usage alerts.
A Flex Alert is a call by the California ISO for consumers to voluntarily conserve electricity during anticipated energy supply shortages, typically issued during hot summer weather when electricity demand is high. During such times, consumers are advised to reduce or shift their energy usage to prevent rotating power outages and uncontrolled blackouts. For more information on conserving energy and staying informed, visit the Flex Alert website.
Explore renewable energy options.
California is aggressively expanding its renewable energy options, with 36% of its electricity sales coming from renewables like solar, wind, and geothermal energy as of 2022, and a goal to reach 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045. The state has also seen periods where 100% of its energy demand was met by renewable energy for several hours each day. These remarkable achievements are detailed in the California Reaches Historic Renewable Energy Milestone article. There are ongoing efforts to deploy more solar and wind energy, as well as enhance grid efficiency.
Access emergency outage information.
To access emergency outage information in California, users can visit the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power website to view current power and water outages, report an outage, and subscribe to outage alerts via texts or emails. Similar resources are also available through other utilities like Southern California Edison (SCE) and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), which offer interactive outage maps and alert systems.