Customer Service
Base Service Charge
Recently, Governor Gavin Newsom signed state legislation (AB 205) mandating the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) change the structure of electric bills for Investor-Owned Utility customers. The CPUC requires Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc. (BVES) to adopt a Base Service Charge (BSC) rate structure where customers pay a Base Service Charge based on their income.
Customers will automatically be transitioned to the BSC rate structure in Q1 2026. This new state mandate will not apply to commercial property owners.
BVES remains committed to providing safe and reliable electric service to the Big Bear community. This new way of assessing electrical service costs will not compromise the grid's reliability and BVES’ commitment to superior customer service.
How Does the New Billing Structure Work
Your current electricity bill includes a Base Service Charge and a Usage Charge. The Base Service Charge covers fixed operating costs and investments in the electric grid – a cost that will not change regardless of how much electricity a customer consumes. The Usage Charge is determined by how much electricity a customer consumes.
The BSC rate structure is designed to provide a more equitable distribution of electricity costs. This means customers can expect to see:
A higher fixed monthly service charge determined by customers' income level
A reduced electricity usage rate, lowering energy costs for most customers
The higher fixed service charge is not a new fee – it simply shifts how existing costs are shared by customers. Most residential customers are expected to notice minimal or no change in their average monthly bill.
How Will This Impact BVES Customers
Average Customer Example Bill
CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy) Program
If you're enrolled in the CARE program, your new Base Services Charge will be $10.06 – significantly lower than the standard amount.
CARE Plus Program
You can apply for the CARE Plus Program, which will be available in Q1 2026. If you qualify for CARE Plus, you will only pay $5.00 for the Base Services Charge, significantly reducing your overall cost.
Service Charges
*Under the BSC rate structure in Q1 2026, customers will pay the same service charge unless enrolled in the CARE or CARE Plus financial assistance programs.
Residential Customers: $23.22
CARE Customers: $10.06
CARE Plus Customers: $5.00
Financial Assistance Programs:
BVES proudly offers assistance for low-income customers who qualify for the financial assistance programs.
Under the BSC rate structure, customers can pay a reduced service charge if enrolled in the CARE or CARE Plus financial assistance programs.
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program: Eligible customers enrolled in the CARE program will see a discount on monthly electric bills.
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Plus Program: CARE Plus is a new program for qualifying low-income households that will provide an additional discount on their monthly electric bills. Customers who currently receive CARE benefits may be eligible for a further discount. Customers can apply for the CARE Plus Program now, but action is required.
Learn about your eligibility for the CARE, CARE Plus and other financial assistance programs by visiting our Assistance Programs page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Governor Gavin Newsom signed state legislation (AB 205) mandating the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) to change the way residential customers’ electric bills are structured for the Investor-Owned Utilities. Due to this decision, the CPUC is requiring Bear Valley Electric Service, Inc. (BVES) to adopt a Base Service Charge (BSC) rate structure where customers pay a Base Service Charge based on income.
Your current electricity bill includes a Base Service Charge and a Usage Charge. The Base Service Charge covers fixed operating costs and investments in the electric grid – A cost that will not change regardless of how much electricity a customer consumes. The Usage Charge is determined by how much electricity a customer consumes.
The BSC rate structure is designed to provide a more equitable distribution of electricity costs. This means customers can expect to see:
A higher fixed monthly service charge determined by customers' income level
A reduced electricity usage rate, lowering energy costs for most customers
The BSC rate structure will begin in Q1 of 2026.
This new state mandate will impact all residential customers. That includes homeowners and renters, including those with or without solar panels. This new state mandate will not apply to commercial property owners.
The higher fixed service charge is not a new fee – It simply shifts how existing costs are shared by customers. The majority of customers will see little to no impact on their monthly bill.
You will be automatically transitioned to the BSC rate structure in Q1 of 2026. Customers enrolled in the CARE Program will automatically receive a discount on the fixed service charge. No action is required to existing qualified CARE Customers. However, if you believe you qualify for additional savings through the CARE Plus program beginning in 2026, action is required for customers to apply for the CARE Plus Program.
Learn more by visiting our Assistance Programs webpage.
How do I qualify for a discounted service charge?
Under the BSC rate structure, customers can pay a reduced service charge if enrolled in the CARE or CARE Plus financial assistance programs.
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program: Eligible customers enrolled in the CARE program will see a discount on monthly electric bills.
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Plus Program: CARE Plus is a new program for qualifying low-income households that will provide an additional discount on their monthly electric bills. Customers who currently receive CARE benefits may be eligible for a further discount. Customers can apply for the CARE Plus Program now, but action is required.
Learn about your eligibility for the CARE, CARE Plus and other financial assistance programs by visiting our Assistance Programs page.
No. Electricity providers like BVES will not make additional profit for operating and protecting the electric grid under the BSC rate structure.
Solar customers will see the base fixed service charge on their bill. This is a standard charge that applies to all residential customers, including those with solar panels.
On average, all low-income customers enrolled in CARE or CARE Plus will save on their monthly electricity bills due to a reduced fixed service charge. Standard residential customers will see little to no impact on their monthly bill.
The rate reduction helps to make it more affordable for customers to use electric vehicles, stovetops, heat pumps and other clean energy solutions aligned with the state’s focus to transition to cleaner energy options regardless of customer’s income or location. The increased focus on the fixed charge of your bill also aims to keep your electricity bill more stable and less volatile on a month-to-month basis.
Questions? We’re Here to Help.
If you have any questions, our Customer Service team is here to help. For 24-hour customer service, you can reach us at 1-800-808-2837 or email customerservice@bvesinc.com.