The Portola City Council addressed mounting community frustration over Liberty Utilities rate increases during its meeting on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, echoing residents’ concerns while laying out actionable steps to challenge the escalating utility costs.
As a customer of Liberty Utilities itself, the City of Portola shares the financial strain experienced by local households and businesses. City officials expressed appreciation to the residents who attended the meeting to make their voices heard on what local leaders described as a critical issue for the area.
Because electric and utility rates in California are set by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) rather than local municipal governments, city councils cannot directly lower, freeze, or reject rate adjustments. To bridge that gap, the City Council approved formal measures aimed at escalating the community’s voice to regulatory and state officials.
City Council Action Plan
To address the utility rates, the Portola City Council approved two primary directives:
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Direct Executive Engagement: The City is officially requesting that Liberty Utilities executive management travel to Portola for a direct, face-to-face public meeting with residents.
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Formal State Appeals: Letters signed by the Mayor will be sent directly to the CPUC, Liberty Utilities, State Senator Brian Dahle, and Assemblymember Megan Dahle / Assembly leadership urging immediate regulatory review and policy relief.
Guidance for Residents and Community Action
To assist local utility customers in taking direct action, the City Council approved a one-page informational flyer outlining key steps individuals can take.
Residents are encouraged to engage through several official avenues:
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Submit Formal CPUC Comments: Contact the CPUC Public Advisor’s Office or submit public comments directly to open rate-case proceedings.
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Review Assistance Programs: Check eligibility for state discount programs, such as California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) or CARE Plus, and verify that households are on the optimal rate plan.
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Contact State Representatives: Express concerns directly to state legislative offices overseeing utility oversight.
Resource Notice: Residents can view additional documentation, download the flyer, and track upcoming updates on the City’s dedicated portal at cityofportola.gov/liberty-utilities-the-cpuc.
Next Steps
The City confirmed that as soon as Liberty Utilities agrees upon a time, date, and venue for the requested community meeting, details will be announced immediately across the City’s official website, Facebook page, local public posting sites, and through participating local storefronts.
City officials strongly encourage residents to share this information widely across the community to maximize public participation when the meeting is scheduled.
