FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - As frustration over rising electricity rates continues in the Central Valley, some may remember Fresno announcing plans to explore alternatives to PG&E. Two years ago, Fresno's local leaders announced the beginnings of a plan to become its own power provider, proc laiming that city residents had been "gouged" by PG&E company with "high rates and lack of attention." At the time, Mayor Jerry Dyer himself said "PG&E customers, including the city of Fresno, have completely lost confidence with our only gas and electricity supplier." Around a year later, both Mayor Dyer and then-Councilmember Garry Bredefeld doubled down on that. Dyer told YourCentralValley.com that he wants the city to seek out new options; Bredefeld mirrored that statement saying "we’ve got to do something." So what happened? When asked this week about whether or not the City of Fresno could set up its utility provider as an alternative to PG&E, city officials tell YourCentralValley.com that more than two years since the big announcement no formal action has been taken to move Fresno toward creating its own public utility provider, as other municipalities across California have done. Whatever happened to Six Flags in Fresno? Back in 2022, when there was a push for the city to hire a consultant to explore alternative energy solutions, Bredefeld (now a Fresno County Supervisor) says the proposal fell flat. "Unfortunately, we couldn’t secure enough support from them to move forward," said Bredefeld in a statement to YourCentralValley.com. "As a result, no action has been taken, leaving Fresno residents - like many across California - struggling with rising energy costs." Bredefeld also accused PG&E of exerting undue influence on state lawmakers. PG&E wields significant political influence, particularly in Sacramento because they buy off and own politicians, which is why they continue to get away with these unjustifiable and outrageous increases. Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld In response, a PG&E spokesperson defended the company’s record and emphasized their commitment to Fresno customers. “We continue to work with the City of Fresno to address their concerns around customer affordability,” PG&E said. “Residential electric bills are lower today than they were a year ago.” Whatever happened to Fresno’s aquarium? PG&E also says it's provided nearly $10 million in financial assistance to Fresno families in 2024 through the REACH program, helping more than 13,700 customers cover their energy bills. The City of Fresno confirmed that no further steps have been taken by city officials to revisit the alternative-utility proposal. ...read more read less