SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KFSN) — Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) rates will once again be going up.
The California Public Utilities Commission voted Thursday to approve two new hikes.
The approval marks the fifth and sixth rate increases for the utility in 2024.
https://abc30.com/video/embed/?pid=15680322
PG&E says the hikes will be used to help fund vegetation management and extend the operation of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant in San Luis Obispo County.
The latest price increase will be rolled out on customers’ bills across a 12-month period starting in 2026.
According to The Utility Reform Network, also known as TURN, PG&E Customers are already paying an average of $50 more than at the beginning of the year.
“I can’t even afford to buy Christmas presents this year or put up Christmas lights because the rates are so extreme. I can’t even afford PG&E,” said Don King with the ‘Stop PG&E’ group.
The exact increase you’ll see on your bill is unclear at this time, but customers can expect to pay more through 2026.
Dozens who face climbing electricity costs attended the meeting in hopes the commission will hear their desperate demands and vote against the increases.
“Rising rates to pay for PG&E’s wildfire, relief, relief that should come out of their profits and not our pockets. Is nothing short of a monopoly scheme,” said Krishna De La Cruz, a PG&E customer.
“Wow, President Reynolds. Wow. I’m talking to you directly. How many people need to rip you guys a new one before you listen to us?” asked King.
Ray Tote from North Fork was one of those who called into the virtual meeting.
He says despite having issues connecting in many meetings, he and his wife will continue to make their voices heard through calls and letters.
“Keep people saying, well, they’re not going to do nothing. Well, if we don’t do nothing, nothing’s going to happen. I’m in it to win it. Okay?” said Tote.
Despite being enrolled in the CARE program, Tote says his bill has doubled and isn’t easy to keep up with on a fixed income.
Members of the board defended the decision to approve the hikes.
“The company completed work in extremely risky parts and its service territory. I can understand the public’s frustration with PG&E rate increases and that could be impulsive to punish a utility for its past failings, but we need them to take action in an emergency situation,” explained CPUC Board Member John Reynolds.
Mark Toney, the executive director of TURN, says these hikes are because of mismanagement.
“In 2020 to 2022, PG&E got a budget for vegetation management tree trimming, things like that, and they overspent their budget,” said Toney.
However, PG&E is pushing back, saying it is “working to maximize every dollar, including adopting company-wide savings initiatives to reduce our operating costs and limit unnecessary expenses.”
PG&E spokesperson Jeff Smith says rates fluctuate and while there were rate increases during 2024, they were offset by a 9% electric rate decrease in July 2024.
The Diablo Canyon rate hike will go into effect next year, and the other will be rolled out over a 12-month period starting in 2026.
It’s unclear how bills will be impacted, but customers can expect to pay more through 2026.
