SCE Rate Increase Over 6% in 2013

This year alone your monthly electric bills will rise by 6.3 %. This year has marked many changes for SCE customers. With first, changing from a five to a four tiered tariff system for your monthly gas and electric bill. The tariffs will continue to rise and effect consumers pocket book, how has this happened?

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is the governing body that regulates the utilities in the State of California. CPUC regulates Southern California Edison (SCE) which services nearly 14 million people in over 15 counties. SCE services over 4.9 million business and residential accounts.

Over the past few years SCE has tried to increase the electric and gas rates by over 16%. The CPUC approved the new rates late November of 2012. However, the rate changes were part of a three year process which reviewed the finances of the utility. Last year alone, SCE raised their rates by 5% which was the first step of a 16% rate increase over a three year period. Rates are expected to rise by another 6.3% in 2013 and again by 5.9% in 2014. Overall, the energy trend allows utilities to increase their profit margin and pass the cost of energy on to the consumers. At this rate energy and gas costs will continue to increase since we pay a premium for energy in Southern California.  

If you are a current homeowner and you don’t want to pay increased electricity rates a good option is solar energy. Solar is a great option for property owners who have an electric bill over $150 a month. Solar electricity can in most cases instantly save you money, help generate clean energy for your community as well as keep your house cooler by providing shade for your home. Many Mission Viejo residents have jumped on the solar bandwagon and signed up to go solar through the Mission Viejo Solar Program. This program is administered by Sullivan Solar Power, and allows residents to get paid up to $2,000 to go solar.

This exclusive community program ends June 3, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. if you would like to schedule a complimentary site evaluation or learn more about the program call 1.800.SULLIVAN or visit www.MissionViejoSolarProgram.org for more information.