State regulators have approved a controversial proposal that changes the way millions of Californians pay their utility bills. Under the new policy, PG&E, SoCal Edison, and San Diego Gas and Electric will charge customers with a new monthly flat fee of 24-dollars 15-cents and must reduce the price households pay for the electricity they use by five to seven cents per kilowatt hour. TURN energy and climate analyst Sylvie Ashford says lower-income households will get discounted electric rates. California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones says the commission is out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Californians, calling the fixed charge “unfair and unjust.” The change will start in early 2026 for PG&E customers.
