Pacific Power has asked California regulators to approve a 57% rate increase. The request would raise the typical residential power bill by $120 a month.
The utility is a unit of Berkshire Hathaway. It serves customers in northern California and other western states.
The proposed increase would be one of the largest in the state’s history. Regulators must review and approve the request before it takes effect.
Pacific Power says the added revenue would cover rising costs. Those costs include wildfire prevention, infrastructure upgrades, and higher power prices.
The request comes as California utilities face growing pressure over wildfire risk. Utilities have spent heavily on grid hardening and vegetation management.
Consumer groups are expected to oppose the increase. They argue that customers already face high energy costs.
State regulators will hold hearings before making a decision. The review process could take months.
