By KAREN VELIE

In addition to increased gas, food and rental costs, San Luis Obispo County residents are facing rising electric bills as PG&E rates climb.

After receiving permission to raise rates 22% in 2022, PG&E wants to raise its rates by another 22% percent from 2023 through 2026. PG&E rates jumped 8% in January and 10.5% last week, with another 3% increase slated for this summer.

On March 22, the California Public Utilities Commission listened to proponents and opponents of the additional 22% increase.

In the end, the Public Utilities Commission will determine if PG&E can raise its rates another 22%, which would be a more than 44% increase in rates over five years.