Showing posts with label PG&E. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PG&E. Show all posts

Thursday, September 4, 2025

PG&E Lowers Rates for San Jose Residents

San Jose residents served by PG&E see relief in their energy bills this month with a 2.1 percent decrease in residential electric rates effective September 1, 2025. For a typical household using 500 kilowatt hours monthly without discounts, this translates to about five dollars in savings each month. Gas rates also dipped by 0.4 percent, adding roughly 39 cents in monthly savings for average users at 31 therms. These adjustments come as PG&E completes wildfire safety projects and removes temporary costs, allowing the company to pass on reductions while national electric prices trend upward through 2026 according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

In October, San Jose customers receive an additional boost with the California Climate Credit of 58.23 dollars applied to residential electric bills. This biannual credit supports the state's push toward a low-carbon future, distributed in spring and fall to help offset costs during the transition. Eligible small businesses also benefit from this credit, broadening the impact across the community. PG&E's ongoing efficiency measures, including drone inspections and bundled projects, have generated 2.5 billion dollars in savings over three years, enabling more safety work without fully passing costs to users.

PG&E has tools such as Budget Billing to even out payments, the free Home Energy Checkup for personalized tips, HomeIntel's smart audit program, and Savings Finder for assistance recommendations make it easier for residents to manage energy use effectively.

They still have a long way to get to Silicon Valley Power's rates in Santa Clara, but it's a step in the right direction.



Saturday, June 28, 2025

PG&E Upgrades to Boost Downtown Development

PG&E is rolling out major upgrades to two vital substations in Downtown San Jose: Substation A near Diridon Station and Substation B on Coleman Avenue. These improvements are set to meet the rising energy demands from a wave of tech, housing, and commercial projects that are transforming the city. 

The work at Substation A is especially exciting. Located right by Diridon Station, this upgrade will power game-changing initiatives like the Net Zero Initiative, which focuses on energy efficiency, as well as new rail expansions like BART and electrified Caltrain service. It will also support the shift toward electric homes and vehicles. Perhaps most thrilling is its role in Google’s transit village, a massive mixed-use project near Diridon that will bring homes, offices, shops, and cultural spaces to Downtown San Jose. Meanwhile, Substation B’s enhancements will unlock about 1,000 megawatts of additional capacity, paving the way for new data centers and more power for the city’s growing needs.

These upgrades mean more than just better electricity—they’re a launchpad for San Jose’s economic rise. With a stronger grid, the city can welcome bold projects like Jay Paul Co.’s redevelopment of City View Plaza, a new neighborhood blending homes, offices, and retail in the heart of Downtown. Reliable energy could even help keep rates in check, making San Jose a more appealing place for businesses and residents alike. 

Source: The Mercury News