PG&E Proposes Rate Increases

By B.J. Hansen Published Jul 3, 2012 08:16 am Updated Jul 3, 2012 08:18 am

Pacific Gas and Electric wants to raise rates to help upgrade infrastructure.

PG&E has filed a request with the California Public Utilities Commission to increase electric bills by a monthly average of $5, and increase natural gas bills by an average of $7.

PG&E claims much of the money would go to replace older gas lines, install leak detection systems and make other upgrades. The utility has come under fire for poor management of its aging pipelines since the deadly San Bruno explosion in 2010.

If approved by the state, the rate increases would go into effect in 2014. PG&E reports that an average residential electric bill would increase to $95 a month and natural gas bills would increase to $53 per month.

PG&E customers can learn more about the proposal by going to www.pge.com/grc.