Bay Area residents got a shock with the hike in their January energy bills.  Those rates will increase—again—in April. These rising energy bills follow higher bills for insurance, food, water and medicine – not to mention the already-punishing cost of rent or a mortgage.  The bills are just too damn high. Contrary to the belief of some, these higher bills aren’t simply the result of some generalized “inflation,” which declined sharply in recent months.  Rather, specific policy choices got us to this place—and it’s long past time for relief for millions of American families.

California’s electric rates are among the highest in the country, but the three biggest power companies say low-income customers will save money under their proposed plan. Critics doubt it will work.