Big Bear customers challenge Bear Valley Electric’s proposed 31.89% rate increase

Big Bear-area customers challenged Bear Valley Electric Service’s proposal for a cumulative 31.89% rate increase through 2030 during a California Public Utilities Commission hearing Oct. 13. The commission has opened review of the utility’s general-rate-case application, A.26-01-022, but has not approved the request. The CPUC hearing recording is the public source for the proceeding and comments.

The requested increases are 14.25% in 2027, 5.24% in 2028, 4.74% in 2029 and 7.66% in 2030, according to the hearing record. The application also seeks changes to energy-supply charges, authority for additional programs and improvements, and approval of a rate of return.

Administrative Law Judge David Van Dyken said the case will examine capital projects, operating expenses and other costs needed to provide safe and reliable service. Bear Valley has attributed a significant portion of its request to wildfire threats and mitigation measures, including work it says is required by state law or the CPUC.

Assigned Commissioner Karen Douglas said the commission would scrutinize the requested funding, seek to contain costs and minimize rate increases while weighing affordability against infrastructure, wildfire-mitigation and reliability needs.

Customers at the hearing questioned whether Bear Valley had pursued grants, lower-cost financing, shareholder contributions or other cost reductions before seeking more money. Speakers also asked how money from a prior rate case was spent and raised concerns about rising bills, service charges, additional fees, outages, billing changes, wildfire work, grid upgrades and the CARE low-income assistance program. Those comments were questions and allegations made during the hearing and were not resolved there.

The proposed increase follows a reported 30.3% increase from 2022 through 2026 resulting from an earlier rate case. The CPUC is expected to issue a proposed decision for public comment before its five commissioners vote, with a final decision anticipated in early 2027.

The commission has scheduled additional public participation hearings for Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Big Bear Lake City Hall, 39707 Big Bear Boulevard. Written comments may be submitted through the CPUC proceeding docket.