Opposition To PG&E’s Continued Rate Hikes

I am writing on behalf of the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce to express our deep frustration and concern regarding PG&E’s recently approved rate hike. These relentless increases represent an egregious affront to our community’s ability to sustain itself, and there is a glaring disconnect between PG&E, the CPUC, and the State in understanding how profoundly this is affecting our small businesses and local economy.

Tuolumne County is home to over 2,000 businesses, many of which are the cornerstone of our community. In our recent small business survey, over 40% indicated that rising utility costs are one of their greatest challenges, now surpassing even insurance as the primary barrier to growth. For these small businesses—already navigating the unpredictable cycles of seasonal tourism—the 100% increase in utility bills over the past year is simply unsustainable.

These aren’t faceless corporations with vast reserves; they are family-run operations, integral to our local economy. Job losses have already begun, as businesses are forced to lay off employees just to keep up with their utility bills. Others are being pushed toward closure entirely. When a business shuts down, it’s not just the owner who suffers—the entire community feels the impact. Fewer jobs, reduced services, and a weakened local economy are the ripple effects of these unchecked rate hikes.

What’s particularly frustrating is that while PG&E continues to break profit records year after year, they simultaneously claim to be in a “tough spot” that necessitates these hikes. How can we explain this disconnect to business owners who are letting employees go or shutting their doors because they can no longer afford to operate?

This letter may be symbolic, but it is also a plea for awareness. We urge the CPUC to consider the real consequences of these decisions. We call for an immediate freeze on any future rate increases until a thorough, transparent assessment of their impact on rural communities is conducted. The businesses in Tuolumne County are not just numbers on a balance sheet—they are people, with families and employees, struggling to survive in an already challenging economic climate. These rate hikes are pushing them past their breaking point.

Tuolumne County is asking for fairness. We need the CPUC to stand with business owners in rural communities and recognize the human cost of these endless increases. It is time to protect our communities from further harm and demand accountability from PG&E, which must stop shifting the burden onto those least able to bear it.

Mathew Galvan

Board Chair and President

Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce