Reduce Water Costs with a Utility Audit

Water

Reduce Sewer Costs with a Utility Audit

Sewer

Reduce Gas Costs with a Utility Audit

Gas

Reduce Electricity Costs with a Utility Audit

Electricity

Reduce Telephone Costs with a Utility Audit

Telephone

Reduce Trash Costs with a Utility Audit

Trash

Pacific Utility Audit, Inc.

Pacific Utility Audit, Inc.

(800) 576-1010

We provide utility audits for community associations, apartment buildings, businesses, commercial properties, cities, parks and landscape districts.

WEST COAST UTILITY COSTS RISING SIGNIFICANTLY COMPARED TO NATIONAL AVERAGE

by | Feb 1, 2025 | Industry Trends, Reducing Utility Expenses, Trends in Utility Savings, Utility Savings Solutions, Utility Savings Tip | 0 comments

Utility Costs without a Utility Audit

On the West Coast, particularly in California, utility costs, especially electricity rates, are significantly rising, often considered among the highest in the nation.

With rate increases outpacing the national average due to factors like wildfire prevention measures, investments in renewable energy, and increased demand during peak hours, this has resulted in higher bills for residents and businesses alike. 

From 2019 to 2023, the power rates for California’s three large investor-owned utilities (IOU), which include PG&E, have increased by between 48% and 67%.

California’s electricity rates have historically been higher than the national average, but the gap has been significantly larger in recent years, outpacing increases in other states, according to state figures.

Key points about rising West Coast utility costs:
  • California leading the trend:
    California stands out with the highest electricity rates on the West Coast, with reports showing increases between 48% and 67% in recent years compared to the national average.

Factors contributing to high costs:

  • Wildfire mitigation:Utilities like PG&E are investing heavily in underground power lines and vegetation management to prevent wildfires, which is reflected in higher rates.
  • Renewable energy mandates:The push towards renewable energy sources like solar power can also contribute to higher costs in the short term.
  • Peak demand:During hot summer months, high electricity usage during peak hours drives up costs for consumers.

Impact on residents:

Higher utility bills can significantly impact community association budgets, decreasing overall reserve funds and increasing monthly homeowner dues.
Utility Auditing Benefits

Utility Auditing Benefits

Utility Audits Help You Save on Your Utility Bills

Get Refunds
Pacific Utility Audit will obtain refunds for you for utility overcharges in the past.
We also help you avoid utility overcharges in the years ahead.
Future Savings
 As part of our utility audit service, we will secure the lowest utility rates available for all of your future water, sewer, gas, electric, trash and telephone utility bills also!.

Still Confused About Utility Audits Versus Energy Audits?

Energy Efficiency Upgrades vs Utility Auditing

Energy Efficiency Upgrades vs Utility Auditing

Energy Audits

Most communities have done extensive energy auditing in the last two decades – everything from LED lighting, solar installations, artificial lawn, drought tolerant landscaping, energy efficient equipment, etc. and these actions are good, as they help to decrease the actual number of kilowatt hours of electricity or therms of gas or hundred cubic feet of water, which helps to reduce the utility bills.

Utility Audits

However, a utility audit reduces the per unit cost of the utility so you are actually paying LESS per kilowatt hour of electricity or per therm of gas or per hundred cubic feet of water AND there are no equipment costs, cash outlays or change in common-areas whatsoever!

And the cost savings continues indefinitely with no diminishing returns!

Cost Comparison

Here is a whitepaper on two associations who chose to reduce their water utility costs with energy auditing techniques and a utility audit and what happens over a 4-year period –

See the results for yourself!