Southern California Edison is under the microscope for its potential role in causing the Eaton fire, and now they’re catching some heat from customers over their plans to jack up electricity rates. The utility giant is seeking a 10% rate increase from the California Public Utilities Commission, citing the need to cover wildfire mitigation costs and other operational expenses. If given the green light, this hike would translate to an extra $18 a month for each of Edison’s 15 million customers.
The timing of this rate request doesn’t sit well with some folks, especially survivors of the Eaton fire that ravaged Altadena earlier this year. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, there are suspicions that a faulty power line belonging to Edison may have sparked the blaze. Understandably, residents like Rossana Valverde, who lived dangerously close to the transmission tower where the fire may have started, are feeling a mix of resentment and anger towards the utility company for asking for more money while allegedly shirking responsibility.
Consumer advocates are also up in arms, arguing that Edison’s customers are already shelling out enough cash for their electric bills. Lee Trotman from the Utility Reform Network pointed out that any rate increase puts a strain on consumers who are already feeling the pinch. Despite Edison’s efforts to justify the rate hike by earmarking funds for wildfire prevention and other safety measures, many are calling foul, especially in light of the company’s track record of equipment-related wildfires. The ongoing investigations into the Eaton fire are expected to reveal more details, but for now, the future looks bleak for both Edison and its disgruntled customers.
