PG&E rate hikes make signing up for solar more critical than ever

Posted: 6:12 am, April 1, 2023 by Access Publishing

– A message from A.M. Sun Solar –

– On March 1, 2023, PG&E implemented more sweeping rate hikes across California, totalling a nearly 17% uptick in just three months. On top of already high utility costs, this increase is undoubtedly causing financial strain and stress for many. As utility rates continue to soar and changes to Net Energy Metering (NEM) loom, savvy home and business owners are taking control by going solar.

Here is a breakdown of why PG&E is raising rates, as well as how local residents can avoid the price gouging by signing up with A.M. Sun Solar before regulations change on April 14, 2023

Why is PG&E raising utility rates?

PG&E cites several reasons for the rate hike, including:

The cost of maintaining infrastructure
Paying off debt accrued during prior energy crises
Investing in safety and grid upgrades
A reduction in hydroelectric generation due to the drought
Higher natural gas and wholesale energy prices
Federal fines due to faulty equipment that caused several wildfires

All PG&E customers will see bigger numbers on their electricity bills, with the amount depending on the plan they choose. The average residential customer can expect to pay $14 more per month. By PG&E’s estimate, this equates to 9.2% more than what they’re currently paying. Those under the CARE program are facing a larger leap of 11.7% or around $10.66 a month.

How will installing a solar system save money?

Installing a solar system with a backup battery is the best way to offset rising electricity costs. Solar panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity, providing homeowners with a free source of power. This free source of power can decrease the amount of electricity people have to purchase from the utility company, thus saving money for years to come.

Solar systems provide additional savings by increasing home property values. Prospective homebuyers are always looking for properties with sustainable features. By investing in a solar system, homeowners can attract motivated buyers and increase equity. Of course, solar systems are dependent on the sun. So when the sun goes down, the system’s production stops. By installing a solar system with a battery, A.M. Sun Solar customers will be able to use stored energy during peak usage hours, at night, and during emergencies.

Sign up now to avoid NEM 3.0

California’s (NEM) 3.0 is taking effect next month, significantly reducing the rates homeowners get for sending energy back to the grid. To get grandfathered in with the current beneficial rate structure, customers must have their systems correctly submitted for grid interconnection by April 14, 2023. So locals should sign up with A.M. Sun Solar now to receive three times the credit for excess solar energy sent to the grid!

For more information about A.M. Sun Solar, please call (805) 772-6786 or visit www.amsunsolar.com.

More About A.M. Sun Solar
A.M. Sun Solar is the local leader in custom solar solutions and installations on the Central Coast. For over 15 years, A.M. Sun Solar has provided high-quality, cost-efficient solar energy to residences and small businesses in San Luis Obispo, Monterey and Santa Barbara counties. With a wide variety of financing solutions available, affordable pricing, custom solutions and complete installations from permit to interconnection, A.M. Sun Solar is the go-to local solar company on the Central Coast.