PG&E Customers in Oakland Grapple with Steep Utility Bill Increase
Source: BNN Breaking | By Olalekan Adigun
As the dawn of 2024 broke, residents of Oakland woke up to an unwelcome New Year’s surprise: a hefty surge in their monthly electric and gas bills. In the face of public outcry, PG&E defends the rate increases, claiming they are necessary to fund essential improvements to their energy systems. The aim is to reduce wildfire risks and enhance safety and reliability for all users. These ambitious improvement plans include burying powerlines in fire-prone areas and replacing aging gas pipelines, among other measures.
The Utility Reform Network (TURN), a notable consumer advocacy group, has been vocal in its criticism of the rate hikes. It argues for the need for regulatory caps on rate increases and advocates for a system where they are tied to cost of living adjustments, akin to those in place for Social Security. The group asserts that this approach could mitigate the financial strain on consumers, particularly those in lower income brackets.
