The war against the poor continues in California, where a struggle against utility disconnections has broken out in response to Pacific Gas & Electric’s new SmartMeter. The digital meter eliminates the need for service crews to disconnect service on-site, making it easier and more cost effective for California’s largest utility to disconnect people from heat and electricity.
PG&E expects they will disconnect services for 85 percent of the 380,000 expected “eligible” homes in 2011, up from 37 percent in 2008. Over 298,000 homes lost services last year. (sfgate.com, Jan. 26)
As more and more people are struggling to live day-to-day, PG&E has also filed for a rate increase. Some of the 4.6 million residences with the SmartMeter have complained about skyrocketing bills since their installation.
As the capitalist crisis deepens, utility companies nationwide are throwing families into a cold darkness through rate hikes and disconnections. The Party for Socialism and Liberation will continue to fight for every person’s right to a safe, warm place to live.
