PG&E Rate Increases and How Solar Eliminates Rate Increases Forever

If you're a California resident, you'd have to be living under a rock not to know what's happened to PG&E over the last two years. 

Because of the devastating wildfires, notably the Camp Fire, where PG&E pleaded guilty to responsibility for its start, PG&E declared bankruptcy, restructured their company, and is now fully realizing the cost behind it.

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On March 1st, PG&E implemented an 8% rate increase for their customers. This hike was approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, a state agency that regulates California's utilities, after a long battle between the utility company and multiple consumer advocacy groups.

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This rate increase essentially pays for improvements designed to reduce the fire risks that its outdated equipment caused in the Northern California service territory. This will be in effect through the end of 2022. 

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That does NOT mean rates will be less in 2023.  

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Nope. 

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They will keep going up. 

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After all, this is an investor-owned utility that puts profits first.

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So what does this mean for you? You can continue to pay PG&E's bills, or you can do something better. 

You can take control of your future. 

Here are four reasons why producing your electricity on your roof is superior to just about anything PG&E will offer.

It's Green: Solar energy is as green as it gets. With so much strength coming from the sun, it would be a shame to waste it, right? It's as if mother nature is telling us the right way to go. Solar energy isn't extracted like fossil fuels from the earth, which means you don't have to truck it or transport it. Solar panels don't release poisonous gases or other air pollution. It's a way to harness the free energy we're given every day, in its purest form, which is green from beginning to end.

It's Efficient: Most solar panels are 20% efficient: meaning 20% of the sunlight that hits your panels will convert into electricity. While this may seem low, solar technology is improving rapidly, and solar panel efficiency increases yearly. While efficiency is continually improving, the fact is, you're not paying for the inefficiency. You're paying to get pure solar energy, and the panels will give you just that.

It pays for itself: While there may be $0 to minimal upfront cost to install solar panels, the price isn't continual. With PG&E, you're at the mercy of their rates and rate increases, and you're stuck with them for the lifetime of your home. Once you have achieved the average 7-Year ROI for your panels, that's it. There are simple maintenance costs, which are minimal, but you're no longer paying for electricity, and you're no longer responsible for an electric bill.

You're off "THEIR" Rate Plan: With PG&E's rate hike, one that is undoubtedly going to rise again, this should make you want to take control of your rates for the rest of your life! You don't have to let the energy corporation dictate how much your electricity will cost. Convert your property to solar, and your energy is in the power of your hands. When you go solar, you are free to live how you wish, with as much comfort as you want, and without a worry about a costly bill. 

While there are no guarantees in life, we can make choices that can positively affect us, our future, and the lives around us for the better. Choosing to go solar is one of the greenest, most significant cash-on-cash returns on investment and environmentally sustainable choices you can make today.

If you're interested in solar for your home or business, please reach out to me today. I'd love to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the entire solar process from start to finish. 

-Paul

415-408-5456