Q: I heard there are changes coming to our electric bills. What do I need to know?
A: There was an Assembly Bill 205 (AB205) that passed in 2022 that takes effect this month, which will shift the billing structure seen on your electricity bill.
You will see this change implemented in November. It is a new billing structure that reallocates how the costs are shared among customers. Your electricity bill will now have two sections. There will be a section called the Base Services Charge, replacing the current Basic Charge. Participation in programs like California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE), Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA), and Medical Baseline will not be affected.
The Base Services Charge covers the costs of connecting customers to the grid. Previously, this cost was part of your variable energy charge. AB205 now requires that it be separated and will represent a set charge, regardless of the amount of electricity you use.
There will then be a second charge showing the variable charges based on your electricity usage. This amount may decrease compared to your past bills. However, for those who are low-energy users, the overall bill may increase because the reduction in your usage cost may not be enough to cover the additional cost of the Base Services Charge. For others, the overall bill may result in a decrease.
The new monthly fixed cost will be $24 for most customers. Customers with lower incomes who qualify for discounted rates will see a monthly cost of either $12 or $6 on their bill.
For Southern California Edison customers, visit www.sce.com/assistance to see if you qualify for a discounted Base Services Charge and a monthly bill discount. This includes income-based programs, such as California Alternate Rate Energy (CARE) or Family Energy Rate Assistance (FERA).
Southern California Edison also collaborates with the United Way to offer an Energy Assistance Fund, providing financial assistance. Qualified households can receive up to a $200 payment applied toward their bill once a year.
To apply for the Energy Assistance Fund, visit https://www.sce.com/save-money/rebates-financial-assistance/bill-assistance-programs/energy-assistance-fund to locate the community partner in your area. One of the local agencies administering this program is Harbor House in Thousand Oaks. Their applications for 2025 are currently closed, but you can reach out in the new year at 805-464-3533.
Another option for assistance with utility bills is through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (HEAP for short). Locally, HEAP program is provided through Community Action of Ventura County. You can reach out to learn how to apply at https://ca-vc.org/heap-utility-assistance/ or by calling 805-436-4000.
Changes in the bills we rely on for our basic household needs, such as electricity, can feel overwhelming. Hopefully, this change will be clear when you see it reflected on your bill. Reach out for assistance and know that options are available to help.
Martha Shapiro can be reached at Senior Concerns at 805-497-0189 or by email at mshapiro@seniorconcerns.org.
