 SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- Electric bills are expected to rise by more than 15 percent this year, according to officials at Pacific Gas and Electric.
In fact, two rate hikes are possible later this year, said utility spokesman David Eisenhauer. Power plants that generate electricity in California run on natural gas, and the price of natural gas has been rising dramatically, up 59 percent from a year ago, Eisenhauer explained.
PG&E has been trying to keep costs down by buying natural gas when it's cheaper and storing it, he said. But utility critics say that's not enough.
PG&E should do what everyone else does when times are tough, which is to tightening its belt and trim executive staff salaries, said Mindy Spatt of the Utility Reform Network.
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KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports
