Editor’s note: North State Public Radio is investigating how the rising costs of utilities are affecting residents — help us out by filling out our survey.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company customers will soon see a fee of about $5 added to their monthly bills. That’s after the California Public Utilities Commission — which regulates pricing for utilities in the state — approved PG&E’s request to add the additional fee at its meeting Thursday.
Ashley Fredrick was one of many public commenters who said monthly bills are already too high.
“How is $350 acceptable for two people?” Frederick said. “There should be a cap every year or every few years to mitigate these continuous rate hikes. Please don't allow another atrocious rate hike that will continue to impact the working class.”
PG&E customers also saw a steep rise in how much they pay for power in January. The company says the rate increases are necessary for infrastructure upgrades and safety improvements.
Some good news for customers is they’ll see some temporary relief on next month’s bill.
The biannual California Climate Credit will reduce customers’ April bill by an average of $140.
