Pleasanton, Tri-Valley PG&E Rates To Increase

PLEASANTON, CA —PG&E rates for Pleasanton customers are going up again this month.

"The electric rate change for average-use residential customers starting March 1 was an 8.9% increase (which translates to a bill increase of about $13.82 per month for an average-use residential customer)," PG&E told Patch in an email.

PG&E said the increase is mostly because of the cost of purchasing electricity.

"This is largely driven by an increase in the cost of purchasing electricity on behalf of our customers as reflected in PG&E’s 2022 Energy Resource Recovery Account (ERRA) forecast. ERRA proceedings happen annually and are used to determine fuel and purchased power costs which can be recovered in rates. What we pay for our customer's energy supply, both natural gas and electricity, we pass through directly to our customers."

Individual bills may vary based on where customers live, how much energy they use, the rate plan they are on, and more. But, overall, it's likely increases will continue as they have over the past year.

"We haven’t seen a market price increase this big and lasting this long in a very long time,” said Martin Wyspianski, PG&E senior director of Electric and Gas Acquisition. “There have been short-term price increases lasting a few months due to cold weather or tied to weather events like hurricanes, but nothing this large and sustained in the last decade."

Drought conditions continue to play a role in rate increases as well.

East Bay Community Energy Bright Choice customers will still have their one percent discount on PG&E's rate. Those wanting to review their bills can call 1-833-699-3223 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

EBCE customers can also search for other programs that may help them to save on their energy bills here.

The California Department of Community Services and Development also has programs to assist people with the rising cost in energy bills. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program is set up through the department to provide low-income households with managing heating and cooling costs.

The program has several portions to help people. The Home Energy Assistance Program provides one-time financial assistance to help balance a utility bill. The Energy Crisis Intervention Program helps people in a crisis situation. See the other options here.

PG&E also offers energy assistance programs. They range from one-time assistance to long term. The Arrearage Management Plan is specifically set up to help people who have been set back fiananically during the pandemic.

PG&E reminds people of tips on how to save on energy costs. They range from covering windows on hot days, checking and replacing air filters, to signing up for bill forecast alerts.