City Says Utility's Shift To Metered Rates May Be Reason For Lodi Customers' Higher Bills
By Kelly Ryan
LODI (CBS13) — Power bills have been doubled for some in Lodi, and they want to know what is causing the steep increase.
Susan Robison is frustrated with her utility bill that ranges from $120 to a recent $340 a month.
"No one can understand why we pay so much here," she said.
That's much higher, she says, than friends and family members who don't have a city-run utility like Lodi.
"Look at other people with PG&E and their bills are $60, $70, $80 a month," she said.
She started a Facebook page called Citizens Against The City Of Lodi's Utility Rates And Charges. Many of the nearly 300 members of her group shared their utility bills and high bill complaints.
Susan says she hasn't called the utility company to question the charges because she believes it won't make a difference. So we decided to ask for her.
One reason, we learned, was a change in rate structure. The city shifted from a flat rate to a metered bill, which could be part of the reason for sticker shock, as residents are no longer charged a flat rate.
The city points out that utility rates for Lodi residents have been going up on average 2 to 3 percent a year the past few years in line with other utilities.
In addition, the utility bill covers sewage, garbage, electricity water, and the larger bill for residents may not be based on electricity.
The city of Lodi says it will work with customers. They simply have to call or come in to go over their charges. Customers can also get an energy audit online.