Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Where to sound off on Southern California Edison's new rate proposal
Listen
• 0:59
A Southern California Edison sign outside the San Onofre Nuclear Plant.
(
Grant Slater/KPCC
)
Power customers of Southern California Edison could see higher rates next year, but a consumer advocate group is pushing back at what could turn into a $200 annual increase in power bills by 2020.
Taken together, the proposed bumps in rates add up to an amount that Mark Toney of the utility watchdog group TURN says is too much for many customers.
"We think that $17 a month is real money for people struggling to make ends meet these days," Toney said.
The increases would generate $2.2 billion dollars more for Edison by over the three years.
Support for LAist comes from
The money is targeted at improving the power grid by enabling the utility to use more energy from clean and renewable sources. About $300 million is dedicated to improving protections of the grid from cyber hackers. The utility plans to replace aging power poles and underground cables and pay for new construction.
The new rates are for customers who are not part of the utility's low-income assistance plan, said Shinjini Menon, who is overseeing the company's rate increase request before the Public Utilities Commmission.
"We definitely try to balance the affordability piece of it," Menon said. "We realize that any increase might be challenging for our customers."
What are the proposed new rates?
For an average customer using about 600 kilowatts of electricity each month, bills will rise:
- 2018 – Increase of 2.74 percent, or about $3.75 per month
- 2019 – Increase of 4.2 percent, or about $5.65 per month
- 2020 – Increase of 5.2 percent, or about $7.29 per month
Before the rates take effect, they have to be approved by the California Public Utilities Commission following public hearings at which people can ask questions and share their comments.
Fontana
May 9, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Jessie Turner Health & Fitness Community Center
15556 Summit Ave.
Fontana, CA
92336
Support for LAist comes from
Lancaster
May 10, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
44933 N. Fern Avenue
Lancaster, CA
93534
Azusa
May 16, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Azusa Memorial Park Recreation Center
320 N. Orange Place
Azusa, CA
91702
Long Beach
May 17, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.
Port of Long Beach
4801 Airport Plaza Drive
City of Long Beach, CA
90815
South Gate
May 17, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.
South Gate City Council Chamber
8650 California Avenue
South Gate, CA
90280
Santa Ana
May 18, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Delhi Community Center
505 E. Central Ave
Santa Ana, CA
92707
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist