High Electricity Rates: the Policies Californians Voted For

(Photo from CalMatters)

California's push toward clean energy has resulted in the second highest electricity rates (behind Hawaii) in the nation: [bold added]

“California’s electricity rates are among the highest in the country,” the Legislative Analyst’s Office reported. “On average, residential electricity rates in California are close to double those in the rest of the nation.”

The increase in electricity bills has been nothing short of shocking, especially when compared with the overall inflation rate.

“Average residential electricity rates in California have grown faster than inflation in recent years, rising by about 47% over the four-year period from 2019 through 2023 compared to overall growth in prices of about 18%,” according to the report from the Legislative Analyst, a nonpartisan group that provides the state Legislature with advice and information.

The report blames:

— significant and increasing wildfire-related costs.

— the state’s ambitious greenhouse gas reduction programs and policies.

— differences in utility operational structures and services territories.

These causes are the result of man-made policies, which means that California is getting in the way of its own green ambitions. High electricity prices discourage drivers from turning in their gas-powered cars, and homeowners from switching out their natural-gas furnaces, stoves, and water heaters. (For the record I'm not getting rid of my fossil-fueled cars and appliances unless they can't be fixed.)

They shouldn't be too upset because Californians are getting the policies they voted for.