Public Comment

CPUC Electric Rate Hike Approval Retards Energy Conservation

Bruce Joffe
Friday July 17, 2015 - 06:28:00 PM

It is outrageous that the California Public Utilities Commission released its plan for changing electricity rates on Wednesday before the July 4th weekend, and approved it on Friday, giving no time for public comment, or even for public awareness of its action. Current rates which reward energy conservation will be reversed, so low-usage customers will be paying higher rates while high-usage energy wasters will pay lower rates. This would mean higher bills for about 75% of electricity customers in the coming years, while rate reductions would go to the top 5% of users. That just ain't right. 

In addition, customers who have installed solar power will pay an additional surcharge "to keep the electric grid running." What about California's goals for clean and sustainable energy? These rate changes shove in the wrong direction. 

Can Governor Brown reverse the CPUC's bad decision? Can the Democratic-majority legislature save us from this blunder? Perhaps yes, if enough angry citizens let them know we aren't gonna take this any more.