Utility Company Cites Climate Change in Push for Additional Rate Hikes

Source: Blaze Media  |  By Candace Hathaway

Pacific Gas and Electric Company customers will see their bills increase by $33 per month starting at the beginning of the year. However, PG&E claims it is not enough to protect against climate concerns.The utility company is now seeking approval for another rate hike that will increase monthly bills by $12-$20 per month on top of the already-approved New Year's Day increases that have yet to appear on customers' bills.

The Utility Reform Network, a nonprofit group opposed to the "outrageous" rate hikes, accused PG&E of gouging its customers."It's gonna be between $12 and $20 additional each month. That's on top of the $33 that's coming January 1," said Mark Toney, the network's executive director."They want them to start collecting in March, even before the CPUC has held a proceeding and decided whether PG&E should get paid back by rate payers; $2 billion for overspending," Toney continued. "Oh, PG&E has several requests for at least another $3 billion." Toney explained that the electric company is attempting to get customers to cover costs "for something that has not even happened." He noted that the Utility Reform Network is partnering with legislators to set price increase limits to protect customers.