Electric bills in California are rising due to changes in electricity pricing and increased usage, not equipment faults. Starting in 2026, PG&E will separate fixed grid costs from per-kWh rates, aiming to lower usage rates and support electrification. Usage spikes are mostly driven by heating needs, cold weather, and continuous devices, not system failures. Knowing how bills reflect actual energy use helps avoid unnecessary service calls and clarifies the impact of new rate structures.