Bear Valley Electric seeks 32% rate hike, citing wildfire safety upgrades

"Bear Valley Electric Service has asked California utility regulators to approve a 31.89% increase in revenue — $24.41 million above current rates — to fund a wave of wildfire safety and grid reliability projects between 2027 and 2030^[1]. If the California Public Utilities Commission grants the full request, the average Big Bear Valley residential customer using 404.58 kilowatt-hours per month would see their monthly bill climb by approximately $17.21 in 2027 compared to what they pay in 2026^[1]. The increase would be phased in over the four-year period, and the actual impact will vary based on usage, baseline territory, and whether a customer qualifies for the CARE low-income discount^[1].\n\n## What the money would pay for\n\nA significant share of the requested funds is directed at reducing the risk of utility-caused wildfires — a concern that weighs heavily in a mountain community like Big Bear. The utility's plans include replacing 60 circuit miles of bare overhead conductors with covered conductors, at a rate of 15 circuit miles per year, in areas already designated as high-risk for wildfire ignition and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)^[1]. BVES also plans to harden facilities along evacuation routes to make them more fire-resistant and to better protect first-responder access during an active wildfire^[1].\n\nThe application further calls for building a communications network that would let BVES remotely and rapidly de-energize sections of its grid whenever a circuit is identified as at high risk of sparking an ignition^[1]. Rounding out the safety investments are vegetation management programs designed to keep growth away from power lines before it becomes a fire hazard.\n\nOn the reliability side, the funding would go toward replacing aging substation equipment, burying grid lines, upgrading transformers, and adding mobile generation units to soften the blow of future PSPS events or disaster-related outages^[1].\n\nThe notice acknowledges that current 2026 rates already include roughly $5.1 million in revenues being collected through advice letter filings tied to previously approved capital and solar-and-battery projects^[1], meaning the baseline from which the 31.89% increase is calculated is itself elevated compared to rates from a few years ago.\n\nThe notice presenting this rate case was authored by BVES and reflects only the utility's rationale. The CPUC's process typically includes review by the Office of Ratepayer Advocates, which represents customer interests — that review has not yet been made public.\n\n## How to weigh in\n\nBig Bear Valley residents and businesses have three opportunities to speak directly to an administrative law judge overseeing the case. A telephone hearing is set for October 13, 2026, at 1 p.m. — dial 1-800-857-1917 and enter passcode 1673482#, then press \*1 to comment^[1]. In-person hearings will be held at Big Bear Lake City Hall, 39707 Big Bear Blvd., on October 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. and again at 6:00 p.m.^[1]. No decisions will be made at the hearings; they are strictly for public testimony.\n\nWritten comments can be submitted through the CPUC's online portal at apps.cpuc.ca.gov/c/A2601022, referencing application number A.26-01-022."