Representative Josh Harder (D-Tracy) has introduced federal legislation to prevent utilities like Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) from implementing multiple rate increases within a single year.
The proposed “Stop the Rate Hikes Act,” introduced in Congress on Monday, is a direct response to a recent series of frequent and substantial price increases that have driven up consumer costs.
Utility bills have surged across PG&E’s vast service area, which includes the Central Valley, the Central Coast, the Bay Area, and most of Northern California. Since 2020, the average residential PG&E bill has climbed by approximately 67%, rising from an average of $179 to around $300 per month.
In the last year alone, PG&E raised its rates six times. The utility has already requested another rate hike from the California Public Utilities Commission this year to secure an additional $3.1 billion.
Under the provisions of Harder’s bill, a utility would be limited to requesting and receiving approval for only one rate increase per year.
“Families here in the Valley can’t afford this insanity,” Harder stated. “The average bill is now $300 a month, and PG&E keeps demanding more and more money. PG&E has to be held accountable, now. My bill will put a stop to these rate hikes and give families the stability they deserve.”
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