A fixed monthly charge is coming to your electric bill. Will it make CA rates more affordable? [View all]

The fixed charge will vary according to household income; specifics are still to be worked out.

In an attempt to make rising electricity bills more affordable, California will institute a fixed monthly charge on ratepayers that will vary according to household income in the next couple of years.

The precise dollar amount and other details will be determined by the California Public Utilities Commission, with a final decision approved by mid-2024 and fully implemented in 2025.

The move will affect all ratepayers across the state who receive electricity service from the state’s three big investor-owned utilities — San Diego Gas & Electric, Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison.

The new income-based fixed charge will not pertain to the natural gas portion of customer bills — only to electricity — and is mandated by the state as part of a sweeping energy bill the Legislature passed last summer.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/story/2023-04-10/a-fixed-monthly-charge-is-coming-to-your-electric-bill-will-it-make-ca-rates-more-affordable