To: California Public Utilities Commission, Michael Pickler, President CPUC, Carla J Peterman, Commissioner, Liane M. Randolph, Commissioner, Clifford Rechtschaffen, Commissioner, Senate Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communicat...
Stop Californias Skyrocketing PG&E/Utility Rates
*Start by rolling back prices to December 2016 and freeze them until independent consumer groups and analysis can evaluate and implement the following reforms, in the interest of fairness and encouraging real conservation, without placing all the burden on the weakest and poorest or middleclass.
*Stop time of use plan. Stop all reductions to CARE program. Stop removal of baselines.
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*The CPUC must create fair baseline allowances for everyone, based on actual California utility climate maps. They must provide the entire state, an actual, "significant portion" of average customers real needs as a baseline, not half or 60%. Baseline should be closer to 70-80% of actual use in all areas. Customers who live inland and in southern parts of the state, have been paying more than 60% of their utility bills at the highest tier for years. Not due to gluttony or a lack of conservation, but the climate in which they live. The baselines will also take into consideration, house size, families with more people in the home, or multiple dwellings on a single meter. Many of these families are caring for senior parents, adult children with disabilities, or family members. No high use penalties.
*Stop fixed fees or, "connection Rates". We pay for every poll and every meter. They are charging Fixed monthly fees, even if you don't use 1 watt of energy! California Watchdog groups have called this, "Robbing the Hood" as it effects the poorest customers that are motivated to conserve the most. Planned to start 2018
*The CARE program for the poor is insufficient, they can NOT reduce the discount. With more than one million people kicked off PG&E books this year for failure to pay, there are clearly not helping the needs of millions of low income Californians! The baseline should be based on their climate & home size and number of people in home!. People who may qualify for both the CARE and the Medical Baseline programs must be informed.
* Utility companies should have no control over the size or type of a solar systems California consumers might purchase. NEMA calculations need reevaluating, as should Solar connection fees. Utilities have passed legislation that prevents solar owners from providing significant amount of extra electricity to the grid. They should be grateful for all additional clean renewable energy.
*High user fees can to be applied to users who use (400%) ONLY once reasonable baselines are created and the above categories are excluded from penalties.
*Stop time of use plan. Stop all reductions to CARE program. Stop removal of baselines.
.
*The CPUC must create fair baseline allowances for everyone, based on actual California utility climate maps. They must provide the entire state, an actual, "significant portion" of average customers real needs as a baseline, not half or 60%. Baseline should be closer to 70-80% of actual use in all areas. Customers who live inland and in southern parts of the state, have been paying more than 60% of their utility bills at the highest tier for years. Not due to gluttony or a lack of conservation, but the climate in which they live. The baselines will also take into consideration, house size, families with more people in the home, or multiple dwellings on a single meter. Many of these families are caring for senior parents, adult children with disabilities, or family members. No high use penalties.
*Stop fixed fees or, "connection Rates". We pay for every poll and every meter. They are charging Fixed monthly fees, even if you don't use 1 watt of energy! California Watchdog groups have called this, "Robbing the Hood" as it effects the poorest customers that are motivated to conserve the most. Planned to start 2018
*The CARE program for the poor is insufficient, they can NOT reduce the discount. With more than one million people kicked off PG&E books this year for failure to pay, there are clearly not helping the needs of millions of low income Californians! The baseline should be based on their climate & home size and number of people in home!. People who may qualify for both the CARE and the Medical Baseline programs must be informed.
* Utility companies should have no control over the size or type of a solar systems California consumers might purchase. NEMA calculations need reevaluating, as should Solar connection fees. Utilities have passed legislation that prevents solar owners from providing significant amount of extra electricity to the grid. They should be grateful for all additional clean renewable energy.
*High user fees can to be applied to users who use (400%) ONLY once reasonable baselines are created and the above categories are excluded from penalties.
Why is this important?
I am angry and completely appalled by Our representatives at CPUC who have never provided a fair baseline to 90% of California and now they are removing them entirely by allowing utilities to change to Time of Use Rate plans. At enormous risk to our economy, environment & our most vulnerable populations. We must stop the Time of Use Plan!