PG&E seeks to hike rates on customers

Pacific Gas and Electric is looking to squeeze just a little more out of its customers as it recovers from bankruptcy:

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. wants to raise electrical bills for residential customers by 1.6 percent in 2007 to pay for upgrades to its aging grid, the San Francisco utility disclosed Monday.

The company also will seek a 2.8 percent increase in natural gas rates, according to papers PG&E filed Monday with state regulators.

A typical household would pay $1.03 more per month for electricity and $1. 44 for gas if the California Public Utilities Commission approves the higher rates. A decision isn't expected until late next year.