SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order today aimed at reducing rising electricity costs and providing relief for Californians facing higher utility bills. This order comes as the state issued an average credit of $71 on October electric bills through the California Climate Credit, funded by California’s Cap-and-Trade program.
The executive order focuses on reducing costs for electric ratepayers while advancing California’s climate goals of reaching carbon neutrality and 100% clean electricity by 2045. It calls for a review of underperforming energy programs and asks that any unused funds be returned to consumers. Additionally, the order aims to maximize the California Climate Credit and encourages smarter investments in wildfire mitigation to cut unnecessary costs.
The order directs the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) to identify savings opportunities and pursue federal funding to lower electricity expenses. It also requests that the CPUC explore a more cost-effective approach to wildfire safety, ensuring utility investments target meaningful safety measures.
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