STOCKTON, CA — In a bold move against Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) proposed rate increases, the San Joaquin Board of Supervisors, led by Supervisor Robert Rickman, has voiced strong opposition and is rallying residents to take a stand. The Board is urging the community to express their concerns over the financial burden these hikes could impose, particularly to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the entity responsible for approving utility rate changes.
Rising Costs Amid Financial Strain: Supervisor Rickman highlighted the troubling statistic that Californians are already shouldering utility costs that are 40% higher than last year. He stressed the importance of the CPUC considering the economic impact of further increases on residents, especially those in areas less affected by wildfires, a common justification for rate hikes.
Disparity in Income: The San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) shed light on the economic disparities within the region, noting that the average per capita income in San Joaquin County falls $10,000 below the state average. Additionally, the county's household incomes are also lower than those across California. Despite these challenges, the County provided significant emergency utility assistance, amounting to $7.3 million for over 6,379 low-income households, including seniors, in the fiscal year 2022-2023.
A Call to Action: Board Chairman Miguel Villapudua expressed his deep concern regarding the rate increases, emphasizing the potential financial hardships on working families. He remarked on the untenable choices residents might face, such as deciding between paying for electricity or essential needs like food and medication.
The Board of Supervisors, representing over 779,000 residents, plays a pivotal role in setting county policies, approving budgets, and ensuring the provision of vital community services. Their stance against PG&E's proposed rate hikes underscores the anticipated financial strain on the county's residents.
How Residents Can Respond: The Supervisors are encouraging residents to voice their concerns directly to the CPUC through mail or email, highlighting the importance of public input in the decision-making process.
Conclusion: As PG&E's proposed rate increases loom, the San Joaquin Board of Supervisors' call to action represents a critical effort to safeguard the financial wellbeing of its residents. With the community's involvement, there is hope that the CPUC will take into account the economic realities faced by San Joaquin County's residents before making a final decision on the rate hikes.
Residents interested in joining the opposition are urged to share their stories and concerns with the CPUC, ensuring their voices are heard in a matter that directly impacts their lives and financial health.
