The SmartMeter center at Fresno's PG&E headquarters can help you tame your power use by using the SmartMeter meter to your advantage. And this summer, how much you pay per kilowatt is billed on a tier system. That means the cost goes up as you move from tier 1 to tier 2, 3 and 4 at a cost that starts at 12 cents and goes up to 40 cents per kilowatt by tier 4. You can also sign up for alerts online to be warned when that is about to happen to you says Boyles, "And they'll get an alert as they move between the tiers so they'll know and be warned when that is about to happen to you."
Boyles suggests you track down and eliminate 'power hogs' in your home. The air conditioner is number one. But your electronic chargers, in use or not, continue to suck up power when plugged in. Same with your TV, cable box or computers.
Boyles suggest you log on to the SmartMeter website where you can track your power use and where you can sign up for those alert that will warn you when you are about to experience a tier price hike, "It'll show you a monthly breakdown, weekly, daily. You can even look hour to hour. The SmartMeter give customers tools they never had before."
Boyles adds simple changes like pulling the plug on your energy bandits is a good place to start.
PG&E says if you keep track of your SmartMeter you could very well keep track of a lower power bill this summer.
