SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) is asking its customers to weigh in on the idea of a rate increase which would start next year. Monday evening marked the first of a series of four public hearings.
The schedule for the virtual and in-person meetings can be found here, as well as how to provide public comment.
“I’m just actually praying that they won’t be allowed to do it,” Barbara Powels Bowen, who spoke at the first meeting and wrote against the possible rate hike, said.
The move is part of SDG&E's general rate case with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).“
I just want to get a better understanding and to see how to fight. I’m going to take my fight,” Powels Bowen said.
SDG&E proposes a new budget every four years and allowing public comment is a part of the judicial process."
There's going to be a lot of outrage," said Laurie Grant, an SDG&E customer who lives in Vista.
Grant initially spoke with 10News when the cost of her utilities more than doubled between the months of December and January, when SDG&E surged prices for a period of time. Since then, Grant has "boycotted" the company, refusing to pay her bill and conserving as much energy as possible. She bundles up in a coat and beanie at night to sleep.
Her bill for February decreased by roughly $200 dollars. Grant says she was "horrified" at the notice regarding another potential rate increase next year.
"I think the only way that this is going to make a difference is if people don't pay their bill. Unfortunately, money talks," said Grant.
A statement from SDG&E reads:
We recognize there is never a good time to request a rate increase. And we have worked hard to strike the right balance between the financial impacts on customers and the need to invest in new infrastructure that's critical to maintain the dependability our customers expect, ensuring public safety and planning for a clean energy future. Our budget proposal has no immediate impact on rates until it's approved by the CPUC, and we look forward to a transparent and public review of our request.
The key driver behind the need for a rate increase in mainly electric distribution improvements to help California reach the state's goal of achieving net zero carbon pollution.
The monthly average increase for customers would be $9.16 more dollars for the cost of gas and $8.45 more for the cost of electricity.
Powels Bowen, who’s also had her past issues with SDG&E, expressed her concerns about what would happen to her if the rate increase were to occur.
“In the wintertime, I would have to worry about how am I going to keep my home warm? So, do I buy a bunch of electric heaters? Because I have solar so my electric bill’s not going up that much. So do I do that but the thing of it is to risk fires and stuff by doing that," Powels Bowen said.
A final decision is expected to come from the CPUC several months into 2024.
