10/11/2006   English German
  Edition # 63  
San Francisco, 10-11-2006

PG&E
Figure [1]: PG&E gives a discount.

Angelika Last week, our electricity bill from PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) arrived, and I was surprised to see that it was significantly lower than usual. Then I noticed the attached note, which kindly explained that every customer would retroactively receive a 15% discount called the "Heat Storm Bill Credit" for their gas and electricity bill from July. It went on to say that an unusual heatwave had gripped California in July, leading to higher electricity consumption (keyword: air conditioning) and bills for many households. Huh? I had always thought that we live in an era of global warming and that saving electricity, not wasting it, should be rewarded. PG&E had generally adhered to this principle in the past. During previous heatwaves, consumers were encouraged to reduce their electricity usage, for example, by turning down the air conditioning, to receive a discount later for significant savings.

In San Francisco, by the way, we don't pay a monthly installment for our electricity; instead, we pay for the amount we actually consume. Every month, the PG&E man comes to read the meter. He carries a huge bunch of keys to open various garage doors or similar to access the meters. Often, the meters are also mounted on the exterior walls of houses. Just before the new year, a calendar is always included with the bill, indicating when the meter will be read. This system naturally leads to higher bills in months when heating is necessary or when the air conditioning (which is rare in private homes in San Francisco) is running at full capacity. PG&E does offer the option to pay an average amount each month to balance out the fluctuations, but I personally don't know anyone who does that.

The DVD film "Enron - The Smartest Guys in the Room" provides a good insight into the dark dealings of American energy executives.

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