Geof Syphers, PRESS DEMOCRAT
As the new federal administration’s policies begin to unfold, it’s clear that real climate solutions will primarily be driven at the local level. It’s also clear that shifting from fossil fuels toward renewable electricity is made more difficult in California because of our sky-high electric rates. Community-owned power providers like Sonoma Clean Power are tackling both challenges — climate change and cost.
One way Sonoma Clean Power works to keep electric bills in check is by advocating at the California Public Utilities Commission for more effective wildfire prevention expenditures. We believe PG&E should focus on the most critical repairs first, not the easiest or most lucrative. We also believe PG&E needs to better justify any new rate increases, which is why we’ve started carefully checking their math. By advancing solutions to make rates reasonable, we can help everyone afford the switch to electric appliances and vehicles.
Los Angeles Times columnist Sammy Roth suggested shifting the expense of undergrounding power lines from electric bills to the state’s general fund. Such a move could lower overall costs for both low-income and most middle-income customers, making electric appliances more appealing and helping us reduce fossil fuel use faster. Sonoma Clean Power is studying how to make this approach viable, because affordable rates are essential for speeding up climate progress.
Read more at https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/opinion/sonoma-county-power-renewable-green-energy/