US EditionCalifornians Pay Billions for Power Companies’ Wildfire Prevention Efforts, But Are They Cost-Effective?
- Californians are paying $27 billion for wildfire prevention and insurance costs authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission from 2019 to 2023.
- The three largest utilities claim this spending is essential due to climate change worsening wildfires in California.
- The high electricity prices contribute to a statewide affordability crisis, along with rising housing costs, groceries, and gasoline.
9 Articles
9 Articles
Californians pay for utility wildfire prevention. Is that cost-effective?
After utility equipment sparked tragic wildfires, PG&E, SCE and SDG&E received state approval to collect $27 billion from ratepayers. As California electric bills soar, questions have emerged about oversight and costs.
Californians Pay Billions for Power Companies’ Wildfire Prevention Efforts, But Are They Cost-Effective?
Contractors with PG&E work in a trench to lay underground electric cables in Placer County on Oct. 17, 2024. Burying lines and other wildfire prevention projects have raised the price of electricity in California. (Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr./CalMatters) Diane Moss lost her home in the Santa Monica Mountains after power lines ignited the apocalyptic Woolsey fire in 2018. Since then, she’s pressed for a safer electric grid in California. “It’s …
Cal Matters
Californians pay billions for power companies’ wildfire prevention efforts. Are they cost-effective?
After utility equipment sparked tragic wildfires, PG&E, SCE and SDG&E received state approval to collect $27 billion from ratepayers. As California electric bills soar, questions have emerged about oversight and costs.
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