For many of our Valley communities (Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, and Tulare) February is THE month that we have been waiting for! Many of these counties are currently going through the PG&E Residential Time of Use transition. If you have not checked it out yet, visit SJVCEO’s YouTube channel for a full detailed overview on the transition.

PG&E is sending notifications regarding an upcoming change to eligible electric customer’s accounts in our area. For more information visit www.pge.com/TOUChoice.  If no action is taken, your account will be transitioned to the Time-Of-Use Peak Pricing 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Every Day rate plan. Based on your household energy usage, this rate plan may not be the best fit. Please visit www.pge.com/TOUChoice to make the best rate plan choice for you or call 1-866-743-7945 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for assistance. 

Why are the peak hours on this Time-of-Use rate plan from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day?

• In recent years, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) has identified a 4 p.m.to 9 p.m. peak period where reducing energy consumption would support grid operational needs.

• Customer demand and the cost of electricity is higher during these hours.

• California’s peak hours have shifted to later in the day due to the significant increase in clean solar power during midday hours, because of the State’s ambitious renewable energy goal

Is the move to Time-of-Use mandatory for customers?

• No. All residential electric customers always have the option to choose another rate plan

 PG&E provides personalized tips and resources to help customers find ways to adjust energy use and manage their usage on the Time-of-Use rate plan. Customers may also choose another rate plan option at any time.

• PG&E is conducting a multi-pronged outreach program that includes direct-to-customer communications, earned media, and paid media. PG&E is also collaborating with community-based organizations (like the SJVCEO) on outreach.

• PG&E will contact customers in advance to help them understand their electric rate plan options and encourage them to select the best rate plan for their needs.

  • The notification letter 90-days in advance of their transition will include a tear-off reply form with the option to stay on their current rate plan or select a different rate plan.

  • PG&E will also send a reminder letter about 30 days prior to the customer’s transition date, as well as a welcome letter at the time of their transition.

  • PG&E will make out bound calls to eligible customers who may be most impacted by thetransition2 weeks prior to their transition month

  • PG&E is providing tips to help customers find easy ways to make small shifts.

• Customers can try the Time-of-Use (Peak Pricing 4-9 p.m. Every Day) rate plan risk-free with automatic Bill Protection for the first 12 months.

• Customers can perform a home energy check-up to see their home’s personalized energy-saving recommendations at pge.com/HomeCheckup.

• Customers can view a customized rate plan comparison at pge.com/TOUchoice, or log into their account online for personalized recommendations of additional ways to save!