Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric filed a joint proposal this week for a flat-rate charge based on income.
[Ads /]
The plan would break monthly bills in two parts: The fixed-income rate, plus a reduced usage charge based on consumption.
Under the proposal, it would cost as little as $15 a month for low-income households and up to $85 more per month for households making more than $180,000 a year.
While that specific cost would go up, the actual electricity rate would go down by a third. It means customers could control their bill somewhat - if they're able to reduce electricity use.
The income-based bill proposal is part of the companies' compliance with legislation passed by the California state government last year requiring these types of plans for utilities.
[Ads /]
The California Public Utilities Commission would have to approve the proposal and make a final decision by mid-2024. The fixed rate could start showing up on bills as soon as 2025.