As a tax-paying citizen of Fresno, CA, I am deeply concerned about the escalating costs of utilities in my own home. The cost of living is becoming unbearable and it's time we take a stand against unjust rate hikes. We are calling for the California Public Utilities Commission to be transparent with their rate increases, limit their rate increases to once every two years, and seek community/local government approval to agree upon these increases.

The commission has been known for its lack of transparency when it comes to justifying these frequent price hikes. This not only affects homeowners like myself but also renters and businesses who rely heavily on utilities for their daily operations. It is estimated that Californians pay 50% more than the national average for electricity (source: U.S Energy Information Administration). This significant difference raises questions about how our utility rates are being determined.

While PGE has shown record profits for 2023 the average citizen is feeling the crushing weight of an ever increasing cost of living along side ongoing rate hikes. First quarter of 2024 has already lead to talks of 3 rate hikes. Are we as citizens supposed to spend record breaking summer heat paying almost the cost of a mortgage payment to run our utilities? Are we supposed to sit by and watch our limited resources continue to be drained by a corporation who has done nothing to encourage trust by its users? It appears we are paying for the lawsuits PGE has acquired while continuing to get the same "quality" of service. This can no longer be so.

Those who sign believe that by limiting rate increases to once every two years, we can create a more predictable environment for budgeting our expenses. Additionally, seeking community or local government approval will ensure that any proposed increase is justified and agreed upon by those directly affected. No longer can we be left out of the conversation as citizens for the things that affect us most of all. 

This petition seeks justice not just for me but also thousands of other residents who are struggling with high utility costs in Fresno and across California. We urge you to join us in demanding transparency from The California Public Utilities Commission - because living affordably should not be an option but a right! Please sign this petition today!