The cost of electricity is about to be even more expensive for Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) customers. The California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) approved a rate increase for the utility company during its Thursday meeting that will increase monthly bills for the average customer by around $6.
This will be PG&E’s fourth rate hike this year.
“I cannot continue to afford to provide electricity and gas for my family,” PG&E customer Jesse Moore said during public comment at the meeting. “When is enough going to be enough?
George Stevens, another customer with PG&E, told the commission that high rates have cut into how much money he has for his medications.
“This month, I couldn't afford both my PG&E bill and my diabetes medicines,” he said.
Commissioners approved the rate increase without discussion. The item was on its consent agenda and was not scheduled to include a dialogue.
PG&E spokesperson Megan McFarland told NSPR the rate hike will go into effect Oct. 1. She said the increase was necessary to help the company recover from winter storms and invest in ongoing wildfire mitigation projects. She also said that PG&E is working to stabilize bills.
In addition to rate increases, many North State residents endured record-breaking heat this summer, which hiked electricity costs further. Redding hit 119 degrees this July, the hottest temperature ever recorded in the city.
