Electricity Rate Cut

Most San Diegans would love to save about $50 a year on their electric bills. In an ironic turnabout, SDG&E; has actually agreed to and requested a significant rate decrease that would do just that. However, the state agency that is supposed to regulate SDG&E; and protect consumers may well turn down this rate decrease.

Recently, SDG&E; asked the Public Utilities Commission to allow it to do away with its $4.80 customer charge for electricity and to let SDG&E; lower its residential electric rates by $30 million. A PUC administrative law judge ruled that SDG&E; should be allowed to do away with the controversial customer charge but that a rate decrease was out of the question.

Right now PUC commissioners are considering the judge’s ruling and will make a final decision on July 9. San Diegans deserve a rate reduction now. We still labor under the third highest electric rates in the nation and relief from high utility bills is a priority.

People can make a difference. SDG&E;’s request to lift the customer charge and the PUC’s probable agreement are a direct result of San Diegans turning out in record numbers to protest the customer charge during PUC hearings here in March. You can make a difference. I urge San Diegans to write to the PUC at 505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, 94102, or call the PUC at 1 (800) 648-6968 and tell the commissioners: We want a rate reduction now.

MICHAEL SHAMES

Executive Director, UCAN

San Diego