As the sun beats down and the temperatures rise, Sacramento residents are set to experience a shocking change in their energy bills. Beginning Thursday, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) will be increasing their rates.
PG&E will be increasing its rate for power during peak usage time from 41 cents per kilowatt hour (kWH) to a scorching 50 cents per kWH between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. And as if that wasn’t bad enough, SMUD’s rates per kWH will increase from approximately 15 cents to 32 cents.
Why are these rates being increased, you ask?
According to Lindsay Vanlaningham of SMUD, renewable energy sources begin to dwindle between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., while energy consumption skyrockets – like sidewalk temperatures during a heatwave.
To combat this issue, energy companies urge customers to help keep energy costs down by checking out their resources and tips for energy conservation, available on their websites. So, take note, Sacramento: it’s time to turn off those energy-draining appliances and switch off the lights. Your wallet will thank you.