About Town – TUESDAY, 7/16/24
Yes, it’s been hot, and there may not be better proof of that than your electric bill. Some people have been (pun alert) shocked by how much they’re spending to cool themselves. Trini Belini is “flabbergasted” by her $383 bill. Jenae Lamas chimes in, saying, “I've always wondered what would happen if we (petition) against the city of Lodi, got enough people to say enough is enough, and demand they change their ways for the people of their city.” Katie Goetz agrees, saying she might have to sell one of her kidneys to keep the temp inside her home between 80-85. However, Breanne Turner Mayer tells people to “count your blessings.” Michelle Benz Terra writes, “Google says the average in California is $0.30 /KWH and PG&E’s posted rate is $0.45/KWH. So if we were PG&E for electric, our bill would be closer to $600 last month.” She adds, “We pay for what we use. I am thankful to have consistent power and not having it shut off when PG&E decides that it may be a hazard.” (The average electric bill in Lodi is among the lowest in the state, according to an independent study). Many other comments had to do with the C-word (Lodi Connect) and how the city’s online payment portal tells them they have a zero balance when they know they have a bill to pay. City’s working on it.
PAYING IT FORWARD: Last Wednesday Amelia Kardassakis, a local “senior widow,” decided to treat herself to a meal out at Black Bear Diner on Kettleman Lane. But she didn’t expect to be blessed by a stranger.
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