PG&E announces two major electric vehicle initiatives 
PG&E, along with U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, Counselor to the President John Podesta and Edison Electric Institute (EEI) President Tom Kuhn, announced two electric power industry initiatives and unveiled the utility industry’s first plug-in electric hybrid drivetrain Class 5 bucket trucks at a White House event on November 18. The initiatives aim to promote electric vehicles and electric transportation technologies with the goal of increasing the number of electric powered service vehicles starting in 2015.
“The commitment we’re announcing today isn’t just about purchasing more vehicles, and it’s not just about utilities,” Said PG&E Corporation Chairman and CEO Tony Earley. “It’s about encouraging clean energy innovation, growing the marketplace for electric drive technologies and positioning our country – and our customers – to take full advantage of the incredible opportunities that electrification represents.”
PG&E and EEI also announced a new Employee Adoption and Education Initiative to encourage EEI member utilities to participate in the Department of Energy’s Workplace Charging Challenge and the help drive plug-in electric vehicle adoption among utility employees.
The initiatives and the vehicle unveiling represent an industry effort to accelerate the adoption of plug-in electric vehicles. The truck, developed by PG&E in partnership with Efficient Drivetrains Incorporated (EDI), features a range up to 40 miles on all electric power, and electrically powers all onboard equipment eliminating the need to idle the truck engines while at job sites.
PG&E is committed to enhancing economic vitality in its service area and partnered with EDI and Altec Industries, both based in Dixon, California to develop the vehicle. The truck will reduce emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional fuel vehicles. PG&E estimates that each EDI truck will save over 850 gallons of fuel per year.
PG&E operates the nation’s greenest utility fleet, including nearly 1,500 electric and electric-hybrid vehicles and a total of 3,500 alternative-fuel vehicles.
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Prevent accidentally digging into underground pipelines by calling 811 before you dig
Damage from digging is a common cause of pipeline accidents, which can cause fines, loss of property, and injury. Calling 811 connects you with the Underground Service Alert (USA) program which notifies local utility companies to mark the location of underground lines at no cost to you, so you can dig safely and prevent damage. Once notified, PG&E will locate and mark the horizontal locations of underground gas and electrical lines by painting strips on nearby streets and sidewalks, or by placing colored flags in landscaped areas.
It’s important to call 811 at least two working days before staring any digging project to avoid any delays with scheduled digs. Remember, no project is too small to call 811, whether you’re planting a garden, installing a fence or remodeling your home.
If you strike a gas line while digging alert others and move to a safe area. Call 911 to notify local police and fire departments, and contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
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Pacific Gas and
Electric Company
1330 Broadway
Oakland, California 94612
510-437-2555
rect@pge.com
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Save money this winter with PG&E’s Energy Upgrade California home upgrade program
 As temperatures start to drop this winter, now is a good time to consider multiple energy-saving improvements throughout your house. Upgrading your heating system, insulating your attic and sealing air leaks are good home upgrades to keep you warm this winter and save on your energy bill.
Besides saving money on heating bills and improving your comfort this winter, customers can take advantage of energy efficiency rebates of up to $6,500 from PG&E through the Energy Upgrade California Home Upgrade Program.
“This program encourages homeowners to take a comprehensive, whole-home approach to energy efficiency to maximize savings and comfort, rather than focusing on piecemeal improvements,” said Aaron Johnson, senior director of customer programs at PG&E.
Participating contractors will work with you to determine upgrades that are best suited for your home. Contractors will then complete the application and rebate forms, and do safety inspections. They then will provide a suggested list of improvements from which you can choose to meet your budget and savings goals.
“We participated in the program as soon as we purchased our home,” said Ed Thomas, a PG&E customer living in the North Bay. “During the comprehensive assessment it turned out that although our home was only 12 years old, more than two-thirds of the air we were paying to heat and cool was going outside through leaks in the ducts. Our energy assessor also identified some hazardous conditions. Since doing the work our bills have been reduced dramatically and our house is much more comfortable than it used to be. The project qualified to a $3,000 rebate from PG&E.”
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PG&E recertified as best in class gas system operator
PG&E has announced that Lloyd’s Register, an independent international auditor, has recertified PG&E as a best in class gas system operator. Lloyd’s Register highlighted PG&E’s safety culture and progress PG&E has made across all aspects of its gas operation.
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| In May, Peter Glaholm of Lloyd’s Register (left) presented gas certifications to PG&E President Chris Johns and Executive Vice President Nick Stavropoulos. (Currents Archive Photo.) |
“Our commitment to continuous improvement in our gas operations shines through these re-certifications,” said Nick Stavropoulos, executive vice president of PG&E’s gas operations. “Our team is working everyday to build a 21st century gas infrastructure that our customers have come to expect from PG&E. We are dedicated to becoming the safest, most reliable gas system in the nation and these certifications are evidence of our commitment to achieving this goal.”
Earlier this year Lloyd’s Register traveled across PG&E’s service area conducting a thorough review of PG&E’s safety practices, which included a review of information and risk management policies, employee qualifications, and emergency protocols.
“Over the past several months PG&E has made very significant progress in a very short period of time. I have been impressed with their dedication to the principles outlined in these certifications and to what they call a safety-first culture,” says Peter Glaholm, utilities regional manager for Lloyd’s Register.
PG&E is investing in workforce development and supplying its teams with the latest tools and technology to enhance the safety, reliability and affordability of its gas service.
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PG&E named one of the top 100 military friendly employers
Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs Magazine and Military Spouse Magazine recently designated PG&E as a 2015 Top 100 Military Friendly Employer. This is the third consecutive year PG&E has been recognized for its commitment to military veterans. The annual ranking highlights PG&E’s recruiting efforts towards veterans, the percentage of new PG&E hires that are military veterans, and PG&E’s policies with regards to National Guard and Reserve service.
PG&E is committed to addressing military veteran unemployment by training veterans for energy industry jobs through its PowerPathway career workforce training program. More than 250 veterans have graduated from the PowerPathway program since the program was put in place five years ago.
PG&E is also committed to supporting military veterans in their return to civilian life. In 2011 PG&E established a Veterans Employee Resource Group (ERG) to educate, support, and develop PG&E employees with military experience. The Veteran ERG provides resource to military veteran employees and their supporters.
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