Here’s how much PG&E customers’ monthly bills will increase

( KRON ) – Starting October 1, a typical Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) customer’s monthly electric bills will increase by about $6, the utility company confirmed with KRON4. This marks the fourth PG&E price hike in 2024 alone.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) agreed to the increase on Thursday. PG&E says the price hike is a form of damage control in response to an unexpected set of natural disasters that hit the state over the past few years.

“PG&E restored power to more than 7 million customers during a record 15 major storms that winter– mobilizing over 7,200 personnel to replace or repair more than 4,500 poles and 850 miles of wire. Timely recovery of these expenses helps to lower costs for customers in the long term,” the utility company said.

According to PG&E, the average customer’s bill, including electricity and gas, is currently $281 per month.

The utility company says households using 500 kWh per month or more will see a $6 increase in their monthly bill. Those who receive income-qualified discounts such as the CARE discount will see a $4 increase, PG&E said.

With the accumulated price hikes since the beginning of 2024, Mark Toney with the Utility Reform Network Turn says customers are seeing a nearly $50 increase in their monthly bills this year alone. He believes much of PG&E’s price hikes are due to “overspending.”

“That is what is making people so upset… Instead of using a faster and cheaper way to protect their power lines — which is to install insulated polls and lines — (PG&E) wants to bury their lines at five times the cost because it produces more returns for their shareholders,” Toney said.

PG&E electric rates have jumped 110% in the past decade. CPUC approved the fourth price hike this year after one in January, March, and a natural gas price increase earlier in September. In January’s price hike, some customers’ bills almost doubled.

Despite not being the first price hike of the year, PG&E claims their investments are delivering results.

“Our investments are delivering results. Our layers of protection have reduced wildfire risk across our service area, and we have enhanced our ability to respond to storms, wildfires and other natural disaster emergencies,” the utility company said.

PG&E said they are working to “stabilize bills” and limit average annual combined gas and electric bill increases to “no more than 3% through 2026.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.