Photo: AFP
PG&E officials are considering a rate hike.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports the rate increase would begin in 2023 and represent a roughly 18% increase over current gas and electric rates. The utility says the money would go towards strengthening its expansive electrical system and making it safer. Several massive wildfires have been caused by PG&E equipment in recent years, including the deadly 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise.
The utility, which serves more than 16 million people across Northern and Central California, submitted the proposed rate hike to the California Public Utility Commission on Wednesday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.