Newsom issues executive order on rising electric bills: what this means

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on Wednesday designed to reduce electric costs for Californians, his office announced in a press release.

The measure encourages electric bill relief. This comes as million of Golden State residents received an average credit of $71 on their October electric bills from the California Climate Credit, provided by the state’s Cap-and-Trade program.

“We’re taking action to address rising electricity costs and save consumers money on their bills," Newsom stated." California is proving that we can address affordability concerns as we continue our world-leading efforts to combat the climate crisis.”

The governor’s executive order:

• Encourages electric bill relief. The executive order asks the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to identify underperforming programs and return any unused energy program funds back to customers receiving electric and gas service from private utilities as one or more credits on their bills. 
• Maximizes the California Climate Credit. The executive order directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to work with the CPUC to determine ways to maximize the California Climate Credit, which is a twice annual credit that shows up on many Californians’ electric and gas bills in the spring and fall and is funded by the state’s Cap-and-Trade program.
• Manages and reduces electric costs for the long-term. The executive order asks the CPUC to evaluate electric ratepayer supported programs and costs of regulations and make recommendations on additional ways to save consumers money. It also asks the CPUC to pursue any federal funding available to help lower electricity costs for Californians. Additionally, the executive order directs the California Energy Commission (CEC) to evaluate electric ratepayer-funded programs and identify any potential changes that could save Californians money on their bills. 
• Smarter wildfire mitigation investments. The executive order directs the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety, and requests the CPUC, to evaluate utility wildfire safety oversight practices and ensure that utility investments and activities are focused on cost-effective wildfire mitigation measures. 

The executive order was signed by the governor, while maintaining the state’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality and 100% clean electricity by 2045.