The City of Portola faces a sharp rise in its streetlight electricity bill, jumping 124.61 percent from about $6,000 in May to nearly $12,740 in October. The usage stayed steady, around 6,500 kilowatt-hours, showing the increase comes from higher rates, not more consumption.
At the Oct. 14 council meeting, residents packed the room and joined remotely to voice concerns about soaring electricity bills from Liberty Utilities. Some shared stories of their bills doubling or tripling, with one person reporting a five-fold increase to $1,030 monthly. These hikes hit fixed-income families, the elderly, disabled, and low-income households hardest.
Liberty Utilities serves about 2,000 customers in Portola, including 300 commercial accounts. The utility’s total customer base is mostly in the Lake Tahoe Basin. The Beckwourth Peak Fire Protection District also reported a jump in monthly bills from $700 to $4,000 for each of its seven fire stations.
Mayor Bill Powers stressed how rising costs strain working-class families in Portola, a service community where many residents work locally. Tony Hamilton noted the median annual income sits at $44,000. Some households now pay $2,000 monthly for electricity, more than half their income.
City Manager Ryan Bonk explained the city cannot control utility rates or force Liberty to change billing. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) sets rates. The city can only inform the public, send letters to regulators, and participate in proceedings. The council authorized Mayor Powers to send letters to the CPUC, Liberty, and local legislators.
Liberty is seeking a 19.1 percent rate increase from the CPUC for 2024. The CPUC recently approved an 11.4 percent rise and a temporary 11.3 percent surcharge to cover wildfire safety costs. This surcharge will stay for three years.
Customers can comment at the CPUC meeting on Oct. 29 in San Francisco. Public comments are accepted in person, by phone, or in writing. Liberty encourages customers to check if they qualify for discounts or billing corrections by contacting customer service.
The city plans to hold a local meeting with Liberty and the CPUC to discuss concerns. Liberty’s key account manager says the utility welcomes an open forum. Residents can also contact their state legislators to share their challenges.
The rapid rise in electricity bills threatens many Portola families and public services. The city pushes for action while urging residents to stay informed
