PG&E Seeks Approval to Lower Electric Rates for Customers

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is asking the California Public Utilities Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve proposals that would reduce average electric rates by 2.5 percent from March 1 levels, beginning June 1. The proposals are among a number of measures PG&E is taking to help customers with their electricity costs.

“We understand that electricity is a fundamental need, and know that many of our customers are deeply affected by job losses and the economic downturn,” said Helen Burt, senior vice president and chief customer officer at PG&E. “While our customers work hard to conserve energy and pay their bills, at PG&E we are also working hard to help customers save.”

In order to reduce rates, PG&E proposes to accelerate refunds to customers for lower transmission and generation-related costs. PG&E also seeks permission to temporarily reduce the surplus collection of fees charged by the state to fund the California Solar Initiative.

The rate reduction would provide relief to Californians in time for the summer, when millions of customers use more electricity to stay healthy and comfortable during hotter weather. The effect on customers’ bills would vary by how much electricity they use and whether they are residential or business customers.

The June reduction would more than offset a previously approved rate increase taking effect on March 1, which will cover the costs of reliably operating and maintaining the utility’s high-voltage electric transmission system.

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