Ignoring hundreds of complaints by electricity customers from across the state, the California Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously Thursday to fundamentally change how electricity is billed by adding a new monthly fixed fee.
In return for paying a mandatory $24.15 fee each month, consumers will pay a lower rate for each kilowatt of power they use.
The commissioners, who are appointed by the governor, sided with the state’s three largest utilities by approving the proposal. They said by lowering the rate per kilowatt hour it will encourage more people to buy electric cars and replace gas appliances in their homes, which would reduce the use of planet-warming fossil fuels.
The change affects customers of investor-owned power companies, such as Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric. It does not apply to customers of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power or other municipal…
