Liberty Utilities, the CPUC, and what you can do

Last updated October 15, 2026

Many Portola households are frustrated by their electric bills, and the City shares that concern. The City is a Liberty Utilities customer too. This page explains who decides Liberty’s rates, what the City can and can’t do, and what you can do to be heard.

What you can do_Info_Sheet_R1.pdf
The image outlines how residents can engage with the CPUC regarding Liberty Utilities' electric rates and bill assistance options.

 

Why we are sharing this

Residents have asked the City to act on Liberty Utilities (CalPeco Electric) rates. We want you to have accurate information about who decides rates, and practical ways to be heard, so your time and effort go where they can make a difference. The City Council reviewed this issue on October 14, 2026 and approved the one-page guide that appears above in this page. 

Who sets Liberty’s rates?

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) sets Liberty’s rates. The City does not.

  • Liberty asks the CPUC for the money it says it needs
  • The CPUC reviews the request, hears from consumer groups, and votes in a public meeting
  • Only then can new rates take effect

What the City can do

  • Speak up to the CPUC, Liberty and our state legislators
  • Share accurate information with residents
  • Ask Liberty and the CPUC to meet with residents in Portola
  • Take part in CPUC cases when that is appropriate

What the City cannot do

  • Set, cap, freeze or lower electric rates
  • Reject a rate increase by ordinance or resolution
  • Order Liberty to change how it bills customers or handles shutoffs
  • Resolve individual billing disputes. We can point you to the right place

What you can do

  1. Get CPUC notices. Sign up free at cpuc.ca.gov/subscription. Follow Liberty cases by number, or choose the Energy industry and Application documents and watch for Liberty Utilities (CalPeco Electric). Liberty must also send a bill insert about rate-increase applications within 45 days of filing, or an emailed link if you use paperless billing. The notice lists the case number and where to comment.
  2. Speak up while a case is open. Each open CPUC case has a Public Comment tab on its docket page. You can also speak by phone at CPUC public forums and voting meetings. See the CPUC events page.
  3. Apply for a bill discount. Income-qualified households can enroll in CARE. Ask Liberty about payment plans if you are behind.
  4. Check you are on the right rate. Ask Liberty to confirm your account is classified as a permanent residence, and whether the standard, time-of-use or EV rate costs you least. Compare rates on Liberty’s rates page.
  5. Write your state legislators. Rate policy, such as wildfire cost recovery, is set by the Legislature. Tell your representatives how these costs affect your household and ask what they can do.

Problem with your bill or service?

A complaint is for billing and service problems. To weigh in on a rate increase, use steps 1 and 2 above, or ask the CPUC Public Advisor’s Office how to become a formal party.

  1. Contact Liberty first. Customer service is 800-782-2506. Ask for a written response and keep the dates, amounts and names. To report an outage or emergency, call 844-245-6868.
  2. File an informal complaint with the CPUC. The CPUC Consumer Affairs Branch works with Liberty to resolve it. File online at cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/file-a-complaint/utility-complaint, call 1-800-649-7570 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4:30pm; call right away for urgent problems such as a disconnection), or mail 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102-3298.
  3. File a formal complaint if that fails. Through a formal complaint, the CPUC can order the utility to take corrective action. See CPUC complaint options.

Common questions

Can the City lower my bill?  No. Only the CPUC can approve rates. What the City can do is make sure the CPUC, Liberty and your legislators hear from Portola.

Who do I call?  For billing questions, Liberty first, then the CPUC. 

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