A Christmas without Lights? The Struggle to Pay Electric Bills in California Residents across California have been hit with significant increases in their electric bills in recent years, adding to their cost of living. The situation has become even more dire for many families as Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E) seeks a rate increase that could push bills even higher. The proposed rate hike, which is set to take effect on January 1, could raise bills by 26 percent, although one utilities commissioner is suggesting a 9 percent increase instead. One resident, Angelica Vasquez, shared her story of how the rising electric bills have affected her family. Vasquez, a 43-year-old Salvadoran immigrant, has been on disability leave from her job at Tesla due to a shoulder injury. She also relies on a part-time job cleaning houses to help cover the $3,000 monthly rent for her home in San Leandro. With her reduced income, she struggled to pay her electric bill and now owes a total of $400.68 to PG&E. The consequences of not being able to pay the bill became apparent when Vasquez’s family experienced a power outage. Despite calling PG&E for assistance, they were left without power for an entire day, resulting in wasted food and spoiled medication. This situation is not unique to Vasquez