Fresno businesses struggle to stay open due to heat and high PG&E bills [Video]

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — High energy bills tied in with high food costs to increases in wages, the small mom and pop shops are struggling to keep up.

You may remember seeing The Pickled Deli in northeast Fresno featured on ABC30’s Dine and Dish.

Owner Nicholas Huerta says they’ve had to cut back on hours as excessive heat means an excessive utility bill.

“I mean our lunchtime is fine for the most part because our A/ C is running at full capacity, but in the later afternoon when it’s peak after 2 – 3 o’clock, especially it’s almost unbearable to be outside and it’s the same for inside,” Huerta said.

“I guess I’ll just have to come for lunch early and be nice to come after 3 p.m. but if you can’t, what can we do?” customer Brandon Miller.

The PG&E bill, higher than Huerta has ever seen.

More than $300 than this time last year, paying nearly $2,000 in total.

Huerta says another A/C would help offset costs.

But because …