Oct 28, 2005 11:20 pm US/Pacific
Winter Heating Costs Have Customers Worried
PG&E has stockpiled huge quantities of lower price natural gas at its storage field in the Delta, but it won't be enough to prevent a big jump in home heating costs this winter.
The utility says hurricane damage to production facilities on the gulf coast could push the amount you pay for natural gas 40-50 percent higher.
"I live in a house where we have gas stoves, furnace. So the gas increases are definitely gonna hit the pocket books," said Jason Arteago, PG&E customer.
Gas fireplace inserts were a big seller last year, but dealers say sales have plummeted and people are turning back to wood or pellet stoves, even in the face of San Joaquin Valley air regulations that curtail wood burning on nights when air quality is bad.
"Last year we sold about 80-90 percent gas units. This year it seems to be 80-90 percent pellet and about 10 percent gas," said Tim Reno, Fun Pool and Spa.
As customers brace for the higher bills, they're already thinking of ways to save.
"More blankets. Thicker blankets. Get blankets that have the built in heating for the kids. Try not to run the heat so much," said Emery Daniels.
"It's low tech but certainly a no-cost way of saving on you home heating costs in the winter time.
Your shades or blinds: keep them open during the daytime to take advantage of the sun. Then at night when the sun goes down close them up to keep the sun out.
PG&E says the best way to save is to turn your thermostat down.
"Sixty-eight degrees is where you want to leave it in the winter. And if you leave for a few hours or are gonna be gone for the game, turn it down to 55 or off," said Emily Barnett, PG&E.
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