Not what is going on in this case, but even if real costs stayed the same - counting inflation - costs would go up every year.

That isn't what is going on here, rather PG&E is manipulating the rate payer, and the rate payer is also having to do massive 'catchups' for prior manipulations PG&E has done (like not keeping required records, skimping on maintenance to dangerous degrees, etc.).

And since somehow PG&E has convinced everyone there is no other solution than paying them more money...