(NEWARK, N.J. – January 10, 2019) - In recognition of National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, Public Service Electric and Gas Company reminds its more than 2 million customers that the cheapest kilowatt-hour of electricity or therm of natural gas is the one you don’t use, and offers these tips to help save money and energy.

Install a smart or programmable thermostat: Keep the setting at the lowest comfortable temperature in the winter and the highest comfortable temperature in the summer. Depending on the season, raising or lowering your thermostat by just one degree can reduce heating bills by up to 3 percent and air conditioning costs by up to 5 percent.

Use ceiling fans: In the winter, run ceiling fans in a clockwise motion for better circulation of warm air. Run ceiling fans in a counter-clockwise motion in the summer to provide additional cooling and better circulation. 

Seal holes and cracks around windows and doors: Use caulk and weather stripping to seal up cracks and prevent drafts in windows and doorframes. Beneath doors, install draft guards.

Turn off power sources: Many TVs, computers, and other electronics continue to draw power when hibernating in standby mode, or even when turned off. Plug electronics into a power strip that can be turned off when not in use.

Use timers and motion detectors: For indoor and outdoor lighting, timers and motion detectors are a great way to make sure you only use lighting when you need it.

Use your blinds: During the winter, open curtains and blinds that face the sun on sunny days to warm your home, and close them at night to keep the warm air inside.  In the summer, close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun to keep out the sun's heat and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently.

Find out more about safety and energy savings with PSE&G's Home Energy Analyzer.

# # #

Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state’s population.  PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability.  PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company.