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Aaron Rosenblatt/Daily Republic file (2020) PG&E workers gather near Blue Mountain Road in Fairfield, June 2, 2020.

PG&E is raising electric rates on March 1. Here’s how much more it will cost

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

PG&E is raising its monthly electricity rates by more than 9% for the average residential customer, a move to generate revenue as the utility grapples with ballooning global natural gas prices.

The new rate plan, unanimously approved Thursday by the California Public Utilities Commission and set to take effect March 1, would also include a 10% bump for small business and larger increases for industrial facilities, for an average increase of 12.69% across PG&E’s entire customer base.

PG&E and California’s two other investor-owned utilities – Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric – present an annual forecast to the commission each year, estimating the cost of energy supply. Once the commission approves that estimate, the utility passes those costs along to ratepayers with no mark-up.

In its most recent application, PG&E said that costs last year exceeded forecasts by about $287 million, according to Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma, who presented the report Thursday. She pointed to a volatile natural gas market as one of the main factors stressing the utility.

Although PG&E also draws hydroelectric power from a system of pipes connected to dams and reservoirs, climate change and a persistent drought have diminished that supply, Shiroma said.

She noted that the new rates would increase residential customers’ bills by an average of $16.37 a month, or $10 for low-income customers. A PG&E representative said the average increase would be closer to $14.

All three of the state’s investor-owned utilities have raised rates over the past few months, prompting consumers to “justifiably” voice concerns and objections, Commissioner Darcie Houck said. She reluctantly supported the plan while voicing misgivings, saying the added expense creates hardships for California residents.

“We understand that any increase to our customers’ energy bills can be challenging, especially during this ongoing pandemic and (its) economic impacts,” PG&E spokesperson Lynsey Paulo told The Chronicle. “We are here to help our customers manage their energy use and costs,” she added. “We offer a variety of tools, rebates, discounts, rate options and financial assistance programs to help them take control of their energy usage and lower their monthly bills.”

But Mark Toney, executive director of The Utility Reform Network, or TURN, accused PG&E of misleading consumers by presenting every rate increase in isolation. The current change follows a planned PG&E rate hike at the beginning of the year, which raised monthly gas and electric bills about 9%.

“There is a trainload of increases stacked on top of each other here that’s not being talked about,” Toney said. His watchdog group is advocating for gradual rate increases tied to the consumer price index.

“Anything beyond that,” he said, “they would really have to justify it.”

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Cooler conditions will return to the Bay Area this week.

Tribune ConTenT AgenCy

Super Bowl Sunday promised another warm day for the Bay Area before cooler conditions were expected to return later this week.

The National Weather Service forecast clear skies and highs ranging in the 70s throughout the region Sunday.

After several cities broke record-high temperatures last week with unusually warm weather for February, meteorologists advised residents to bring out their sweaters as cooler conditions were expected to return Monday.

“It’s going to feel quite different” on Monday, said Sean Miller, a meteorologist with the weather service. “Temperatures are going to drop quite a bit where we’re looking at highs right around 60 or so.”

The chilly conditions will continue into Tuesday as the next slow, warming trend returns midweek. As temperatures drop on Monday and clouds gather over the Bay Area, residents might see very light drizzling rain.

Flyway

From Page A3

invest more as you go.”

As the day went on, Eliker would tell the crowd exactly what to look for on birds to help them identify what they were looking at, which made each seem a little more knowledgeable as the day went on.

The Flyway Festival concludes Sunday, with many of the previous events being held again.

For more information on the times and locations for the rest of the festival, visit https:// www.sfbayflywayfestival. com/San_Francisco_Bay_ Flyway_Festival_2022/ In-Person_Outings_ Schedule.html.

The event was once again put on by Myrna Hayes, the founder, director and president of the Mare Island Heritage Group.

“It’s so important for us to wake up the next generation to this,” Hayes told the Times-Herald earlier in the week. “Look, we’re not telling people to leave your computer and phone for good, in fact, bring your phone! This is a great event with so many people that aren’t getting paid giving their time for us because it’s their absolute passion ... For one measly week, one hour can basically turn your life around.”

Mommy, I love you so much! Will you be my Valentine Forever & Ever? Love Sebastian