Some Californians are “stunned” by the latest high prices for electricity and gas, after major power companies raised rates for millions of customers last month.
“It feels like we’re being punished,” said Dorothy Lovell, 90. San Francisco Chronicle. Santa Rosa residents’ utility bills in January were $696.64.
“I really wasn’t prepared,” Rebecca Gallegos, a longtime San Francisco resident, told the newspaper after her bill increased by $162 from the previous month. “surprised.”
Power company Pacific Gas and Electric Company PG&E announced in November that customers will pay about $35 more per month in utility bills in 2024 after the California Public Utilities Commission approved new rates. That adds up to more than $400 a year in extra fees.
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After historic rate hikes, some Californians are shocked by rising electricity bills. (St. Petersburg)
PG&E announced it will improve the safety of its power lines and gas pipelines after years of devastating wildfires, The Chronicle reported.
PG&E customers could see their bills even higher this year as the Utility Commission considers approving additional proposals from PG&E to recover costs from the company. last year’s storm. If approved, customers’ bills could increase by an additional $14 to $15 per month, the report said.
PG&E spokeswoman Lindsey Paulo said the company is working with customers who are struggling to pay their utility bills.
Paulo told the Chronicle that eligible customers can receive up to $1,000 off their bill through the REACH Energy Assistance Relief Community Help Program, as well as other assistance to reduce their bill on the website. He said he could accept it.
Fox News Digital has reached out to PG&E for comment.
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Rising utility costs are hurting some California households. (Photo by Frederick J. Brown/AFP) (Photo by Frederick J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images) (Getty Images)
PG&E is also one of California’s three largest electric utilities whose rates could be determined soon. About “fairness” After Assembly Bill 205 was passed last year. The bill would allow the California Public Utilities Commission to charge customers a fixed fee based on their income.
says low-income customers could save about $300 a year under the new law. Fox11 Los AngelesMeanwhile, households with incomes of $180,000 or more will pay an average of $500 more per year on their electricity bills.
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The deadline for regulators to approve the proposed changes is July 1, 2024, but they won’t immediately appear on customers’ bills, according to the report.
Last week, some Democratic lawmakers who voted for the bill announced legislation to repeal the controversial law.
