California utility ratepayers can monitor home energy usage through company's app

The Home app provides daily and weekly electricity usage insights, showing how usage fluctuates by hour and day.Photo byAlbert StoynovonUnsplash

With Apple's latest software updates, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) residential customers can now access new electricity usage features through the Apple Home app. By connecting their PG&E account to the app, customers with iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple Watches can monitor and better understand their electricity consumption.

The Home app provides daily and weekly electricity usage insights, showing how usage fluctuates by hour and day. It also offers longer-term views for monthly and yearly comparisons. Customers can track their electricity usage during Peak (4-9 p.m.) and Off-Peak hours, helping them make informed decisions to save money and energy.

In addition, the app includes a Grid Forecast feature, allowing users to see when electricity from cleaner sources, like solar and wind, is available. PG&E’s energy mix is among the cleanest in the country, with 34% of electricity from renewable sources and 53% from carbon-free nuclear power in 2023. This collaboration between PG&E and Apple aims to provide customers with the tools to reduce emissions and manage energy costs.