Current:Home > MyPG&E bills will go up by more than $32 per month next year in part to pay for wildfire protections-InfoLens
PG&E bills will go up by more than $32 per month next year in part to pay for wildfire protections
View Date:2024-12-23 16:29:44
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — About 16 million people in California will see their electric and gas bills go up by an average of more than $32 per month over next year in part so that one of the nation’s largest utility companies can bury more of its power line s to reduce the chances of starting wildfires.
Pacific Gas & Electric had initially asked state regulators for permission to raise rates by more than $38 per month so it could bury 2,100 miles (3,380 kilometers) of power lines in areas that are at high risk for wildfires. But consumer advocacy groups complained, arguing PG&E could save ratepayers money and still reduce wildfire risk by putting a protective covering over the power lines instead of burying them.
Thursday’s decision by the California Public Utilities Commission sought to find a middle ground. Commissioners decided to let PG&E bury 1,230 miles (1,979 kilometers) of power lines, which would be $1.7 billion cheaper than PG&E’s proposal.
The commission rejected a proposal by a pair of administrative law judges that would have only allowed PG&E to bury 200 miles (322 kilometers) of power lines while installing protective covering on 1,800 miles (2,897 kilometers) of power lines.
“We as a commission have struggled mightily with the additional hardship these increases will create for families,” said Commissioner John Reynolds, who wrote the proposal regulators approved. “I can say that I am confident that you are getting something out of this investment.”
PG&E said 85% of the increase was to improve safety in its gas and electric operations. It says typical bills will increase by about $32.50 next year, followed by a $4.50 increase in 2025 before decreasing by $8 per month in 2026.
For low-income customers who qualify for discounted rates, PG&E said typical monthly bills will increase by $21.50 next year, followed by a $3 per month increase in 2025 before decreasing by $5.50 per month in 2026.
“We are committed to being the safe operator that the people of California expect and deserve,” PG&E CEO Patti Poppe said in a written statement. “We appreciate the Commission for recognizing the important safety and reliability investments we are making on behalf of our customers, including undergrounding powerlines to permanently reduce wildfire risk.”
Electricity rates have been increasing in California over the past decade in large part because utility companies are rushing to upgrade their aging infrastructure to prevent wildfires. PG&E’s residential rates have more than doubled since 2006, according to The Utility Reform Network, an advocacy group for ratepayers.
The turning point for PG&E came in 2018 when a windstorm knocked down one of its power lines in the Sierra Nevada foothills that started a wildfire. Within a few hours, the fire had spread to Paradise, where it destroyed most of the town and killed 85 people.
PG&E eventually pleaded guilty to 84 counts of manslaughter and filed for bankruptcy after facing more than $30 billion in damages related to the Paradise fire and other blazes started by its equipment. The company has pledged to bury 10,000 miles (16,093 kilometers) of power lines over the next decade.
The five people on the commission, who are appointed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, approved the rate increase unanimously while voicing concern for ratepayers.
“The rates we are asking ratepayers to pay are increasing at a rate that will become unaffordable in the very near future if we don’t find mechanisms to better control costs,” Commissioner Darcie Houck said.
Before the vote, dozens of people called the commission to complain PG&E’s rates are already unaffordable, with one woman testifying she doesn’t watch TV or turn on the pilot light for her gas stove because she can’t afford it.
Cheryl Maynard, who identified herself as a survivor of the Paradise fire, called the rate hikes “outrageous” and accused the company of trying to secretly recoup the billions of dollars it paid to wildfire victims in a settlement.
“PG&E is getting our settlements back from us by raising rates. This has to stop,” she said.
veryGood! (663)
Related
- Jessica Simpson's Husband Eric Johnson Steps Out Ringless Amid Split Speculation
- What’s the secret to growing strong, healthy nails?
- Eminem, Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow, N.W.A. and Janet Jackson get Songwriters Hall of Fame nods
- Britney Spears Reunites With Son Jayden Federline After His Move to Hawaii
- Just Eat Takeaway sells Grubhub for $650 million, just 3 years after buying the app for $7.3 billion
- Elon Musk responds after Chloe Fineman alleges he made her 'burst into tears' on 'SNL'
- Waymo’s robotaxis now open to anyone who wants a driverless ride in Los Angeles
- Asian sesame salad sold in Wegmans supermarkets recalled over egg allergy warning
- Pennsylvania House Republicans pick new floor leader after failing to regain majority
- Nicole Scherzinger receives support from 'The View' hosts after election post controversy
Ranking
- A herniated disc is painful, debilitating. How to get relief.
- Fantasy football waiver wire: 10 players to add for NFL Week 11
- Is Kyle Richards Finally Ready to File for Divorce From Mauricio Umansky? She Says...
- Taylor Swift's Dad Scott Swift Photobombs Couples Pic With Travis Kelce
- What is ‘Doge’? Explaining the meme and cryptocurrency after Elon Musk's appointment to D.O.G.E.
- Lions find way to win, Bears in tough spot: Best (and worst) from NFL Week 10
- Advocates Expect Maryland to Drive Climate Action When Trump Returns to Washington
- NBC's hospital sitcom 'St. Denis Medical' might heal you with laughter: Review
Recommendation
-
All Social Security retirees should do this by Nov. 20
-
As US Catholic bishops meet, Trump looms over their work on abortion and immigration
-
Voters in California city reject measure allowing noncitizens to vote in local races
-
Maryland man wanted after 'extensive collection' of 3D-printed ghost guns found at his home
-
What Happened to Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone Character? John Dutton’s Fate Revealed
-
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly are expecting their first child together
-
The 10 Best Cashmere Sweaters and Tops That Feel Luxuriously Soft and Are *Most Importantly* Affordable
-
Repair Hair Damage In Just 90 Seconds With This Hack from WNBA Star Kamilla Cardoso