That rate increase according to PG&E is to cover the costs of putting its electrical utility into the ground. The utilities in my neighborhood have been in the ground for forty years. That's PG&E electric and gas, Cable, AT&T, City water and sewer.
The CPUC got it wrong again. Why should all the residents in this neighborhood pay for utilities going into the ground elsewhere? Why do unelected bureaucrats continue to take money from our pockets before we earn it? They are everywhere, there is the Bay Area Quality Management District (BAQMD), the same type of unelected bureaucrats cash hog.
Locally we have the elected majority on the Pleasanton City council, voting to raise the water rates. All those who have conserved water will be charged a greater rate for our water use, whereas all those who have not been conserving water will be getting a lesser rate for their extravagant water use.
Will there ever be a decision that is fair and balanced for everyone? Why give an extra advantage to those who have the advantage and take away or diminish the advantage of others?
The council vote to raise our water rates went something like this: Council member Nibert spoke for five minutes about how he was voting for the five-year plan, he did not get it, his vote was for increasing water rates.
Council member Testa spoke regarding her misunderstanding of Council member Balch's professional analysis, she ranted it was "politics" and voted yes to raise the water rates. Testa thought she was attacking "politics", with her yes vote.
