A big change is coming to your PG&E bill. Here's what it means.

"The change, which follows a 5% rate cut that went into effect Jan. 1, comes on the heels of rising tensions between the utility, its customers and Bay Area leaders. Multiple blackouts just before Christmas and New Year's Day left tens of thousands of San Francisco residents without electricity for several days, drawing widespread attention and even prompting some government officials to call for a shift away from PG&E infrastructure."

"What exactly is the new base charge? The base charge will cover infrastructure and maintenance costs, such as connecting people to the grid, customer service and energy programs, PG&E said. Currently, those costs are included in your electricity usage charges. But starting in March, the base charge will be separated from the usage charges on your bill. Most customers' base charge will be around $24 per month, and the base charge for those who participate in lower-income programs will be between $6 and $12."

PG&E will separate a previously bundled monthly charge into a labeled base service charge starting in March. The base charge will cover infrastructure and maintenance costs such as connecting customers to the grid, customer service and energy programs. Most customers' base charge will be about $24 per month, while participants in lower-income programs will pay between $6 and $12; the charge is calculated per day and may vary by month length. PG&E says separating the base from usage charges will not increase revenues. PG&E said the new structure could lower costs for some customers, but not for everyone.

Read at SFGATE