PG&E spending $192M on programs

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. said it will spend as much as $192 million to extend a range of customer money-saving programs, including SmartAC, PeakChoice and the Home Area Network pilot.

The SmartAC program allows residential customers to have their thermostat adjusted by one or two degrees during peak demand hours voluntarily. The reduced electric demand conserves energy, and customers receive a $50 rebate for participating.

PeakChoice reduces monthly energy bills for business customers. It credits them for their pledge to reduce power use during high-demand days.

The Home Area Network is a pilot program in which 500 PG&E customers use a device to check their electricity usage throughout the month.

Customers can conserve electricity by using appliances and charging their mobile phones and other electronic devices in the morning or after 7 p.m., and cutting air conditioning use.

For more information, visit www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergy money.