PGE shares ways to keep cool, reduce energy costs as hotter summer temperatures settle in

Portland, Ore. (June 29, 2023) — With warmer summer temperatures this week and forecasts calling for above normal temperatures for the near future, customers may be looking to stay cool and keep energy costs low. A PGE spokesperson will be available for media interviews to offer tips to beat the heat and save money.

WHAT: Media availability - PGE spokesperson offering hot weather tips for customers

WHEN: Friday, June 30, 2023; 10 – 11 a.m.

WHERE: PGE headquarters, 1 World Trade Center, 121 SW Salmon Street, Portland – Plaza

Simple steps can help you stay cool:

Take advantage of cooler outdoor air

• If it’s safe, open windows during cooler nights and mornings (make sure open windows are safe for children), using a fan to draw cool air in.

• Running a portable window fan instead of an AC unit at night can save an average home an estimated monthly savings of $32.

Prevent heat from building up inside

• Run appliances such as ovens, stovetops, dishwashers and clothes dryers at night or in the early morning.

Keep your home shaded

• Close curtains on sun-facing windows or use awnings during the day and when running AC units.

Use fans

• Fans can circulate cooled air throughout the house and bring cool morning or evening air inside.

• Turn off fans when no one is in the room or when not trying to circulate cooled air.

Check your thermostat

• Set central air thermostats to 76 degrees, rather than 70 degrees. This difference can result in an estimated monthly savings of about $13.

• Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat to help save season after season.

Weatherize your home

• Make sure your ducts are sealed or insulated, and use weather-stripping or caulking around doors, windows, pipes, and cracks. Community Energy Project can help.

Track your energy use and costs

• Enroll online to see your energy use by the day, week or hour, and pinpoint where you use energy so you can learn ways to save.

• Set up text or email notifications to get weekly estimated bill amounts.

Sign-up for programs that help you save energy and money

• Peak Time Rebates rewards you for shifting your energy use during peak times – when energy demand and prices are highest.

• When you’re enrolled in the Smart Thermostat program, your thermostat automatically adjusts a few degrees to shift your energy use away from peak times.

For more ways to use energy more efficiently and participate in energy-saving programs, visit our website.