Recent years have witnessed significant shifts in Portola’s utility service, notably in 2016, when Liberty Utilities switched from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. to NV Energy. This transition, fueled by a commitment to cleaner energy, has sparked both enthusiasm and concern among residents.
While NV Energy doesn’t directly serve California due to cross-state regulatory complexities, it entered into a purchase power agreement with Liberty Utilities, a utilities company providing water, natural gas and electric services nationwide. Liberty Utilities resells electricity to Portola in a move designed to increase sustainable energy practices. The purchase agreement enabled Liberty to phase out coal-fired energy, bolster renewable sources and align with California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, one of California’s key programs for advancing renewable energy.
However, this energy supply chain has brought added costs, with residents feeling the pinch of a recent significant energy cost surge. That has prompted calls for transparency and scrutiny.
Local resident Traci Palone voiced her concerns. She called Liberty Utilities to ask why her bill was over $600 a month. “They told me our usage was the same, but back in July, <the rate> was raised by 40%, although ‘most people aren’t noticing until now,'” Palone said.
Another resident, Jess Martinetti, echoed similar sentiments. “When it’s all added up (I’ve called a few times), it’s actually closer to 50%. It’s 40% plus some other charges, which makes it closer to 50%,” Martinetti told The Plumas Sun.
These residents and others have filed complaints about the price hike with Liberty Utilities as well as the California Public Utilities Commission.
Alison Vai, senior manager of communications and marketing at California Liberty Utilities, attributed the surge in energy costs primarily to rising energy costs from NV Energy. The main drivers are Liberty’s “significant investment” in wildfire mitigation activities, which include grid hardening, increased vegetation management work and increased wildfire insurance costs, he said. Vai clarified that this price increase was not targeted at the Portola area.
“All of Liberty’s California electric customers support the costs of these critical investments and share the impact of rising energy prices,” he said.
For information on rates or to voice opinions, Liberty Utilities’ website provides a platform for engagement and updates on utility developments. Liberty Utilities is regulated by the CPUC, which also offers a secondary avenue for consumers to share their thoughts related to utilities.
As Portola grapples with these utility dynamics, community voices and regulatory policies continue to fuel discussions and actions within the community and with regulatory agencies.