Together, We Stood Against PG&E's Outrageous Rate Increases

In 2022, PG&E asked for an outrageous 26 percent rate increase over four years. This increase was in addition to other rate increases that, since 2019, totaled 38 percent. PG&E claims this new increase will strengthen its infrastructure thus reducing wildfires caused by its equipment. However, they have made this claim numerous times in recent years but failed to demonstrate that this expensive option actually improved safety.

AARP asked our members who are PG&E customers to raise their voices – and more than 30,000 of them immediately responded by signing petitions telling the CPUC to PUT CUSTOMERS FIRST when deciding on PG&E’s proposed rate increases.

Through the work of AARP and our partners, PG&E’s original 26 percent request has been significantly reduced.

By 2030, one in four Californians will be over the age of 60. That means more Californians will be on fixed and limited incomes, than ever before – incomes that cannot withstand these ridiculously high-rate increases. No one should be in the middle of a heat wave worrying about paying for their air conditioning bill or a vital prescription; and no one should be in the middle of winter fearing that their skyrocketing gas bills will prevent them from putting food on the table.

Given PG&E’s abysmal record on safety, it is essential that the CPUC holds PG&E accountable for spending all customer funds in a manner that achieves the utility company’s stated aim of improving public safety. We were heartened to hear the CPUC also acknowledge PG&E’s poor track record of accountability.

We urge the CPUC, utility companies, and lawmakers to envision a future where skyrocketing rate increases stop harming Californians whose lives depend on safe, affordable energy. AARP will continue to be vigilant in holding PG&E and other private utilities accountable.