Summer heat raises electric bills in SoCal

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- When the summer heat hits, meters start spinning and Southern California Edison customers may see their rates go up as much as 8 percent.

The reason? Natural gas prices go up, and those higher costs are being passed on to consumers. Demand also goes up in the summer and that could impact supply.

Low-income customers could see a $5 increase and other customers about $10, said Steve Conroy, a spokesman with Southern California Edison.

"Everybody's pinching pennies everywhere they can. A little bit here and there really makes an impact on your livelihood," said Rochelle Palermo, a Southern California Edison customer.

California ISO, which maintains the power grid for California, believes they are ready under normal conditions. A wildfire burning up power lines could change the situation.

"The last two years have been relatively mild summers. If we have a very extreme summer, which is entirely possible given the dry conditions and forecast conditions, we could have issues that we want to make sure everyone's aware of," said Steve Berberich, president and CEO of California ISO.

A disruption in supply or an extended heat wave could lead to rolling blackouts. Consumers may be asked to conserve and cutback.

Some are already planning on it, but it won't be easy.

"With the economy, it's hard. I have to have two jobs in order to hold the house," Elisandra Canche, a Southern California Edison customer said.