Opinion: Take action to slow California's out-of-control energy costs

"California is in the midst of a profound utility bill affordability crisis. Over the last decade, PG&E residential customers have watched their monthly electric bills skyrocket from $88 in January 2015 to $215 a month, (a staggering 250% increase). This additional $1,600 annual burden forces families to make devastating trade-offs between utility bills and groceries, electricity and prescriptions, keeping service and even remaining housed."

"Rising utility bills are impacting large industrial companies and local shops across the state. From steel mills and glass factories, to fruit, vegetable and dairy farmers, to neighborhood restaurants and small businesses, escalating utility bills have created an unsustainable burden. The good news is that after months of advocacy driven by a big tent of residential, small business, industrial and agricultural supporters, the Legislature has assembled the most significant electricity affordability package in decades."

"The bad news is that PG&E, SoCal Edison, Sempra, and Wall Street investment firms are actively resisting affordability legislation, because delivering savings to customers could trim utilities' profits. Their message is clear: protecting shareholder profits is more important than providing relief for California families and businesses. The stakes couldn't be higher. Two major bills would unlock billions in customer savings and prioritize affordability over utility profit margins."

California residents and businesses face rapidly increasing electric costs, with PG&E residential bills rising from $88 in January 2015 to $215 monthly, a 250% increase that adds about $1,600 annually per household. Higher bills force families to choose between basic needs and burden industrial, agricultural, and small business operations statewide. Steel mills, factories, farms, restaurants, and shops face unsustainable energy costs. Legislative measures, including SB 254 and AB 825, aim to unlock billions in customer savings while maintaining reliability. Major utilities and Wall Street investors are resisting affordability reforms to protect profits. Lawmakers and advocates seek public pressure to pass affordability legislation.

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