‘When is Enough Enough?’ PG&E Rates to Rise Again After California Regulatory Vote

Source: San Francisco Chronicle  |  By Julie Johnson

The $4.68 per month estimated increase for average households will last for a period of 12 months starting in April.  But bills could climb even higher this year if the commission takes up another proposal from PG&E that would add $14 to $15 per month for average residential customers to recoup costs incurred during last year’s winter storms. Combining that with the January hike and Thursday’s decision, typical residential bills could become at least $53 higher per month than prices last year.

Mark Toney, executive director of ratepayer advocate nonprofit The Utility Reform Network, criticized commissioners for voting on the rate hike without discussion. “The commission owes an explanation to customers whenever they adopt a rate increase but now more than ever,” he said.