In our area they have a minimum charge, on electricity, water and anything else they can come up with.
Check the number of kilowatt hours against their rates.
In the 70's our entire electricity bill including well pump, was about 24.00 per month in summer, and in the mid thirties or winter.
Now we have a pricing structure, and surcharges and taxes, to benefit such as chicken houses, and industry, and lots of Regulations affecting charges. Our cost now are around 350.00 a month summer and 450.00 and more winter So your 34.00 still sounds like a minimum charge,"in California."