California utility to hike rates for the fourth time in 2024 infuriating customers

According to PG&E, the average customer's monthly bill—currently $281—will rise for households using 500 kWh or more.Photo byAlbert StoynovonUnsplash

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) customers will see another price hike starting October 1, adding about $6 to the average monthly electric bill. This marks the fourth price increase by PG&E in 2024 alone, with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approving the change on Thursday.

PG&E attributed the rate hike to covering the costs of recovering from natural disasters in recent years, including the restoration of power to over 7 million customers after 15 major storms during a record-breaking winter season. The utility company mobilized 7,200 personnel to repair more than 4,500 poles and 850 miles of wire during those storms.

According to PG&E, the average customer's monthly bill—currently $281—will rise for households using 500 kWh or more. Those who receive income-qualified discounts, such as the CARE program, will see a smaller increase of $4.