One of the main goals of conserving energy is to save money, right? So, why would the utility company charge customers for using less power? To help those who use more power and pay more, they say.
Pacific Gas & Electric Co. wants to raise rates for people who use the least power and lower rates for people who use the most.
It's supposed to be a way to deal with a growing imbalance in electricity rates that force many customers to pay high summertime bills.
PG&E ranks it's customers by usage, dividing them into five tiers. Under the plan, the lowest two tiers will see a three percent increase. The other three will see a rate cut of three percent beginning Jan 1.
PG&E has filed an application with the state Public Utilities Commission to approve the new rate schedule. They are also asking the PUC to speed up their decision, slimming the time the public would have to debate the idea.
If you're one of the Bay Area customers upset over the new proposal, contact the Public Utilities Commission pronto at CPUC Public Advisor, 505 Van Ness Ave., Room 2103, San Francisco, CA 94102; or call 866-849-8390 or 415-703-2074; or email public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov.
Also feel free to leave a comment below to let us know how you feel about the plan.
