As we approach the end of January, you may start to see the impact of the increased energy rates which were approved last year. The cost of electricity has soared within the past few decades, and Californians were already paying some of the highest rates in the country even before the latest 12.8% increase was approved! In the last 5 years, all PG&E customers have seen an increase of at least 10% on their electric bills. With one rate hike already on the books for 2024 and one to two more on the horizon, let’s take a look at what you can do about the increased energy rates levied by the utility.
Don’t worry! There are many ways for you to avoid the current and future rate hikes, some of which include switching to alternative energy sources and limiting your electricity usage.
To start, one of the best ways to combat this is to shift the way you think about energy. Given all the needs of a modern household it may be difficult for you, or indeed the average homeowner, to limit their electrical usage. Because of this, many homeowners have switched to solar energy as a way to maintain their current usage while still saving money. With a solar system, you can evade these rate hikes and maintain your energy usage without fear of surprise energy bills. Increased energy rates mean that you could at any time be surprised with a huge monthly bill, but with solar you can insulate yourself from that risk and maintain a consistent, reliable energy bill each month.
An important consideration when it comes to increased energy rates is the fact that seasonal energy risks are mitigated by a solar installation. In the summer, as more people come home, your energy usage will naturally increase. However, energy prices will also increase alongside this rise in usage, and especially as our aging grid is strained and demand outstrips supply. All of these factors paired with the latest rate increase mean that without solar, you’re going to have to chew through some beefy bills.
In the winter months, a similar situation takes place. As people come home for the holidays, usage naturally increases, and in both cases, heating and AC usage especially contribute to high energy prices and big bills. In both cases, a solar installation can mitigate the increased cost of powering your home, and allow you to use your temperature control appliances guilt free as you save big. Increased energy rates mean big spending on power, but solar can shield you from that financial hardship and provide you lasting value for years to come.
