You know it’s summer here in California when we’re collectively seeing new record breaking temperatures, power outages, and rising energy bills as more people turn to ACs to survive the merciless heat.
“I barely used the AC last week but my energy bill went up!”
“I lost power during the outage last month.”
“I swear my energy bills are higher this year than last year.”
These disgruntled sentiments are familiar to the millions of California residents that rely on utility services like PG&E. So what gives?
All across the board, countries are facing unprecedented heat waves that are exacerbated by climate change. The Bay Area is no exception, where certain cities are beating out records that occurred in 1970 with higher triple digit temperatures (NBC Bay Area).
A recent Energy and Policy article highlighted the significant rise in utility CEO compensation in 2023 while millions of customers struggled with power outages and the cost of their energy bills. PG&E CEO, Patricia Poppe, made a total compensation of $17 million last year—and that wasn’t the highest compensation on the list. PG&E alone disconnected 181,811 customers from power for non-payment.
PG&E has had a history of failures—from their lack of accountability process, dismal safety record, consistent outages, wildfire causes, and a lot more (Reclaim Our Power). Taxpayers are now fronting an additional bill for PG&E’s headquarters move from SF to Oakland; a whopping $1 billion price tag stamped with approval by CPUC. (Environmental Working Group)
PG&E has had too many chances, and people are justifiably angry and frustrated. It’s why we need to have a public mobilization where we can hold PG&E accountable to us, not to shareholders.
We deserve constant, reliable, affordable, and safe clean energy.
350 Bay Area is launching a new campaign targeting PG&E—and we need your voice.
Join us on Aug 15, Thursday at 11 am as we come together at PG&E’s Oakland HQ (300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland) to demand them to stop putting profits over our people, our communities.
Sign the Letter to PG&E
Add your name to the letter to PG&E demanding that they prioritize our communities and not corporate gains. Our communities deserve:
- constant affordable access to reliable and clean energy,
- a fast transition to a clean energy grid and the cleaner air that accompanies it,
- power company incentives that align with community priorities,
- full transparency and accountability,
- and the ability to meaningfully participate in decisions that impact them.
If PG&E cannot meet those requirements, it’s time to build on the promise of SB 350 which provides California the option to create utilities that serve the public, not just shareholders.
This campaign is just getting started and there are lots of ways to pitch in. If you’re interested, contact us at info@350bayarea.org