WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Public Utilities Commission (CUPC) could decide Thursday whether PG&E customers have to pay higher prices.
Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is requesting a double-digit rate increase that could start as soon as Jan. 1, 2024, if approved.
The CUPC will consider whether PG&E will be granted a steep rate hike, which would raise the average monthly gas and power bills by $25 and $31, respectively.
During a time when many families are cutting the cost to make ends meet, some customers said the utility should too.
“It is just too much if you add another $30 on to that, how do people pay for that,” said Daniel Stassart, a West Sacramento resident.
“They are already pretty high as is and all of us are dealing with the same problem,” added Brian Johnson, another West Sacramento resident.
PG&E has said in the past price hikes might happen because it needs funds to move powerlines underground. Many people and consumer advocates like ‘The Utility Reform Network,’ say now is the not the time.
“Electricity is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Mark Toney, executive director of The Utility Reform Network. “We are captive customers of PG&E.”
Toney says PG&E needs to achieve safety in the most cost-effective manner. He said the price hikes should be capped and limited by the cost-of-living adjustment that social security recipients get.
“The California Public Utilities Commission needs to do more,” said Toney. “They need to prioritize the affordability for everyday customers and not let PG&E empty their customer pockets.”
Toney says as more people get their power shut off because they cannot afford the price hike, that is a leading contributor to people being evicted.
Some customers say if it is approved, there are not many options left.
“I don't want to pay. What can you do? They have a monopoly,” said Stassart.
PG&E did not want to comment but said they will provide comment after the CUPC vote.
The meeting starts at 11 am. Click here to watch or provide your input.
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