California Regulators Vote to Increase Monthly Fixed Charges for Utility Customers

The California Public Utility Commission approved a proposal May 9 to raise fixed charges for most electricity customers to $24.15 a month, with lower charges for those enrolled in programs for low-income residents. Customers of the state’s largest investor-owned utilities—including Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric—will be affected by the change starting in 2025 and 2026, depending on the utility provider. In addition to the amount of electricity used, families of four earning up to $60,000 annually and enrolled in the California alternate rates for energy program, which offers 30 percent to 35 percent discounts on usage rates—known as CARE—will pay monthly fixed charges of $6. The same size household earning $60,001 to $75,000 a year and enrolled in the family electric rate assistance program—known as FERA—which offers 18 percent rate discounts will pay about $12....