Here's an idea: how about CPAU and PA stop implementing any and all rate hikes until they finally pay us our court-ordered settlement in the Miriam Green lawsuit against the long-standing practice of "overcharging" us for utilities to feed the General Fund. Green's lawsuit covers the period between Sept 23, 2015 and June 30, 2020, with additional dates in 2021 and 2022.

Just this week we were informed they're AGAIN having another hearing on December 21, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. at an unknown/unspecified location.

Earlier reports detailed a complicated plan where the sick and the elderly would be paid first, others in installments and other provisions for those in the settlement class who've left Palo Alto in the last 8 -- EIGHT -- years.

Fair's fair. Hold all rate hikes for at least the same 8 -- EIGHT -- years -- 2031 or receipt of our settlement check, whichever comes last.

I have eliminated all natural gas from my house except for the radiant heat for the floors in my Eichler, which I use about 3 months of the year. However, I am still charged a monthly minimum throughout the year (something like $12 a month) for using absolutely no gas at all. That seems like a real disincentive for going nearly all electric. Maybe we can address getting charged for using absolutely nothing?

@cheeseguy, don't you utilize the infrastructure used to deliver an explosive gas safely into your home? I wonder what that is worth...

I'm with cheese guy, also have turned off all the pilots but let the gas keep running. But the monthly fees for service are minimal enough that I keep the service available, in case of some kind of freak subzero weather.

Q: Why is Palo Alto Utilities raising rates?
A: Because they can.

It's the same reason why other public utilities continue to raise rates, prices and fees. Caltrain increase? Because they can. Bridge tolls? Because they can. Increases in cost on Express Lanes (lanes that no one voted for)? Because they can.

I would love a law that LIMITED profits for such public utilities. If Palo Alto Utilities and others like it were forced to refund a portion of their profits over a certain percent or number (with a limited budget increase each year to boot), I suspect that such increases would be fewer and farther between.

I don't know what to do about a letter I got regarding the Green lawsuit settlement refunds.
There is a website in the letter but I don't know whether to use it. Anyone tried it?

@Natalie
Try clicking on the "Email Town Square Moderator" link at the bottom of your post.

Also, what did you letter say? Was it to sign up someplace to get the refunds?