New proposal for utility bills includes a fixed rate based on income

Three companies including Southern California Edison submitted a proposal that would change the way its residential customers are charged.

The proposal is looking to add a fixed monthly charge for services that are based on household incomes. These charges would be recurring charges on top of energy usage.

The idea is to reduce monthly bills for low-income customers. The following are proposals for Southern California Edison customers.

• Households earning less than $28,000 a year would pay $15 a month.
• Households earning between $28,000 to $69,000 would pay $20 a month.
• Households earning from $69,000 to $180,000 would pay $51 a month.
• Households earning $180,000 or more would pay $85 a month.

The proposal has to be approved by the California Public Utilities Commission. A final decision will be made by 2024, and if approved implemented as soon as 2025.