Bear Valley Electric Service Applies for Rate Increase to the Public Utilities Commission

Big Bear, CA, February 28, 2012, 3:00pm – Bear Valley Electric Service has begun the process of presenting a rate case to the California Public Utilities Commission.  In the Rate Case Application they are proposing a 7.79 % increase to be reflected sometime in 2013 on ratepayers bills.  In the application they are also proposing to reduce the rate by 5.5% in 2014 once the under-collection procurement costs have been completed.  In their application they have stated that the current rates are not sufficient to cover increasing costs to provide electrical service in Big Bear.   If they are granted a rate increase they intend to use the money for the following areas: 1. Improve transmission and distribution systems, 2. Underground existing overhead lines on Big Bear Boulevard, 3. Establish a new program to provide rebates for installation of residential solar equipment, and finally 4. Add two technical Staff positions to comply with various governmental regulations.  The last rate review was in 2008, which covered the years of 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.  In that rate case the Public Utilities Commission required that Bear Valley Electric Service file a General Rate Case Application every four years. More details of this rate increase will become available for public comment, as the PUC public hearing process is set into action.  The Big Bear Lake City Council will have a chance to take an official position on this rate change at a future date.  Once released, KBHR will announce the dates and places where the rate hearings will take place.