The utility's baseline allowance system means that households using air conditioning regularly can move quickly into higher-priced tiers, where rates are substantially above the baseline. The jump hits renters and lower-income households with older, less efficient appliances hardest.

Several strategies can reduce the impact. Pre-cooling a home before 4 p.m. — when PG&E's peak pricing window begins on weekdays — shifts consumption to cheaper hours. Running dishwashers, laundry machines, and EV chargers overnight takes advantage of off-peak rates. Enrolling in the CARE or FERA programs, administered through PG&E with income-based eligibility, can cut monthly bills by 20 to 30 percent for qualifying households.

The California Public Utilities Commission approved rate increases for PG&E earlier this year as part of the utility's general rate case, with the added summer tier pressure compounding those baseline hikes.

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission offers CleanPowerSF as an alternative electricity supplier for generation costs, though PG&E still handles transmission and delivery charges — the portion that has been climbing.

Residents can apply for CARE or FERA assistance through PG&E's website year-round. The next CPUC rate proceeding for PG&E is scheduled for later this year, where consumer advocates are expected to challenge the utility's proposed cost allocations.