Economics

PG&E Wants Rate Increase to Fund Wildfire Safety

Published

7 years ago

April 29, 2019

PG&E asked California regulators for a $1.1 billion rate hike December 13, saying more than half the money would be spent on improving wildfire safety.

The embattled utility, under investigation for its possible role in the Camp Fire in November, told the Public Utilities Commission that the rate hike would increase household electric bills an average of $8.73 a month. Natural gas customers would pay an additional $1.84 a month if the PUC approves the increase.

PG&E has already been sued multiple times over the Camp Fire, and the company’s losses could be in the billions of dollars— adding to the potential liabilities the utility is facing from the October 2017 wine country fires.

In a statement posted on its website, PG&E said none of the dollars from the proposed rate hike would cover “potential claims resulting from the devastating 2017 and 2018 Northern California wildfires.” In September Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill, SB 901, that could allow PG&E to bill customers for some of its wildfire liabilities, depending on the company’s financial state. That protection, however, only applies to the 2017 fires.

The $1.1 billion in higher rates would begin in 2020, if approved by the PUC.

PG&E is also seeking an additional $454 million in 2021 and $486 million in 2022. Spokeswoman Lynsey Paulo said the company doesn’t have data on what those additional increases, if approved, would mean for monthly customer bills.

PG&E said more than half the money would be spent on wildfire-risk initiatives, most of which have been announced already. They include installation of stronger power poles and lines; intensified tree-trimming and inspections; an increased real-time weather station network and installation of high-definition cameras in high-risk areas.

The utility this week disclosed to PUC officials that it found a broken hook on a transmission tower near the community of Pulga, the spot in Butte County where the Camp Fire is believed to have started. Lawyers suing PG&E on behalf of survivors have said they believe the broken hook might have allowed a high-voltage wire to make contact with the steel tower, showering the dry ground below with sparks.

Dale Kasler, The Sacramento Bee

Posts by Dale Kasler, The Sacramento Bee

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 1 – 7, 2026

Published

4 days ago

July 5, 2026

Oakland Post

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Oakland Post

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Activism

NPRC Joins National Grand Jury Proceedings Seeking Accountability, Constitutional Restoration

Organizers state that testimony will explore historical and political developments that they believe have contributed to the expansion of corporate influence over public institutions and governmental decision-making. Participants are expected to discuss concerns regarding constitutional governance, individual liberties, property rights, and the protection of vulnerable populations, including seniors and persons with disabilities.

Published

2 weeks ago

June 26, 2026

Oakland Post

Photo by Billie Powers.

Special to The Post

The National Probate Reform Coalition (NPRC) has joined Toll and Roll and a growing coalition of advocacy organizations, victims, whistleblowers, and citizen groups in support of a nationally broadcast People’s Grand Jury proceeding scheduled for July 1 and July 7.

Organizers describe the event as a public forum designed to examine allegations of government abuse, judicial misconduct, legislative failures, and the erosion of constitutional protections affecting millions of Americans.

The proceedings will feature testimony from victims, families, advocates, and organizations from across the country who contend they have experienced harm through government actions, institutional neglect, and failures of oversight.

According to organizers, the People’s Grand Jury will focus on concerns involving probate courts, guardianships, conservatorships, child welfare systems, property rights, civil liberties, and what participants view as a growing disconnect between government institutions and the constitutional rights of the people they are sworn to serve.

NPRC is participating because many of the issues being examined mirror the concerns raised by advocates, victims, and families who have participated in its monthly town halls. For years, families have reported cases involving exploitation of elders, questionable guardianships, estate depletion, denial of due process, and a lack of meaningful oversight within probate court systems.

“This proceeding gives victims and advocates an opportunity to place their experiences on the public record,” said Tanya Dennis, lead facilitator of NPRC. “For too long, families have struggled to have their voices heard regarding elder abuse, probate exploitation, and government inaction. This forum allows those stories to be shared before a national audience.”

In keeping with principles of transparency and fairness, invitations have been extended to legislators, members of the judiciary, law enforcement representatives, and other public officials who may wish to respond to concerns raised during the proceedings or defend actions taken by their respective institutions.

One of the primary outcomes sought by organizers is public consideration and support for the People’s Remedy and Restoration Act, a proposed legislative framework that advocates believe would strengthen oversight, increase accountability, provide remedies for victims of governmental abuse, and restore constitutional protections.

The proceedings are expected to be broadcast nationally, providing citizens throughout the United States an opportunity to observe testimony, review evidence presented, and participate in an ongoing conversation regarding government accountability and the protection of individual rights.

Advocates hope the hearings will encourage meaningful dialogue, legislative reform, and renewed public engagement in the democratic process.

Individuals, organizations, public officials, and members of the media interested in attending or obtaining access information may contact the organizers at tollandroll2025@gmail.com.

As Americans continue to debate the future of constitutional governance, judicial accountability, and the protection of vulnerable citizens, the July proceedings are expected to serve as a significant forum for public testimony and civic engagement. For more information, go to https://tollandroll.com