1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The recent approval of a fourth PG&E rate increase this year, amounting to $6 per month for customers, is deeply concerning. Californians are already struggling with high energy costs, and this additional burden will only exacerbate the financial strain on households. While the utility cites the need to recover expenses from past storms and wildfire mitigation efforts, the cumulative impact of these rate hikes is becoming untenable for many residents. The decision to approve this increase without proper discussion or consideration of public comments is particularly troubling. Numerous individuals expressed their inability to afford these rising costs, with some forced to choose between essential utilities and necessities like medicine. This lack of empathy for the lived experiences of Californians is unacceptable. I urge you to reconsider this rate hike and prioritize the well-being of residents over corporate interests. Explore alternative cost-saving measures within PG&E's operations to minimize the financial burden on customers. Californians deserve affordable and reliable energy services without being priced out of their homes or livelihoods. It is imperative that regulatory bodies like yours act as a check on utility companies and protect the interests of the public they serve.