San Diego families already facing steep living costs could see another $22 added to their monthly utility bills under a San Diego Gas & Electric proposal. Residents and local leaders are fighting back.
Here's what to know
SDG&E is seeking an 8.6% rate increase for residential customers, according to ABC 10 News. If approved, the utility estimates that a typical customer's monthly electricity charge would rise by about $14. Natural gas would add another $8.
Rent and family expenses already strain resident Mike Rodriguez's household budget.
"I cannot afford it, I got kids, I got family, and there's a lot of people I see struggling sometimes we can't afford paying the bill we get behind because all these bills, we pay rent, I pay real high rent," Rodriguez said to 10 News.
More background
"Our residents are already paying some of the highest housing costs in America. They're paying more for groceries, more for insurance, more to put gas in their cars, and more to raise their children," San Diego public advocate Shane Harris noted.
Keeping energy service safe and reliable was part of SDG&E's response to concerns about affordability. The utility said the additional revenue would pay for necessary operations.
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What's being done?
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, school board representatives, and San Diego City Council members joined Harris outside SDG&E's headquarters for a demonstration Harris organized.
Their request for the utility to reconsider took the form of a signed letter opposing the increase.
"We know our customers are concerned about affordability, and we take those concerns very seriously. We're focused on controlling our costs, operating more efficiently, and finding ways to help keep customer bills as manageable as possible, while continuing to provide safe, reliable energy," an SDG&E spokesperson said in a statement, as 10 News relayed.
The decision rests with the California Public Utilities Commission; the request still has to undergo its review.
Where can I learn more?
The pushback against SDG&E's proposal comes amid concerns about utility costs across California.
• California launched its first utility oversight overhaul in 19 years amid affordability concerns.
• Southern California Edison customers could pay hundreds of millions more after wildfire legislation stalled.
• Los Angeles residents reported electric bills reaching $1,000 as heat waves increased air-conditioning use.
• A Los Angeles family's $3,300 power bill sparked a petition over electricity costs.
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