December 7, 2024
Hi Reader,
Energy Affordability & Reliability is the focus of this week's newsletter.
Our city council recently passed an ordinance that will increase the average electric rates up 54% by 2026. Sadly, the first of many increases recently hit ratepayers, which finally woke residents from their lackadaisical slumber toward city government.
We were forced into action and started a volunteer group to help neighbors of our Southern California city understand the truth behind rising electricity rates and spotty reliability. Our end goal is to influence affordable, stable rates, delivered with first-world consistency, with a mantra of:
- Affordability
- Reliability
- Scalability
- Accountability
Planning for Scalability (AKA planning for the future) is especially perilous, as overly optimistic decisions can wreak havoc on current-day capabilities and finances. In California’s case, we specifically mean extended periods of ever-demanding regulation (e.g. “Green Mandates”) that have hindered how utility companies and municipalities can deliver affordable and reliable electricity to their residents and customers.
A key early discovery of ours is to alert homeowners across the country to be aware of any policies that aggressively and unnecessarily push “irresponsible green energy requirements”. In short, the desire for cleaner, sustainable energy sources must be balanced with the equally important requirements of affordability and reliability.
For your edification, here are current Kilowatt-Hour sample rates from around the country (source: EnergyBot):
- Average Rate per Kilowatt-Hour: $0.17 (US)
- Highest Average Rate: $0.41 (Hawaii) +142% of US Avg.
- Lowest Average Rate: $0.12 (Louisiana) -29% of US Avg.
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Western States:
- Washington: $0.12 -26% of US Avg.
- Idaho: $0.12 -26% of US Avg.
- Oregon: $0.15 -10% of US Avg.
- California: $0.32 +88% of US Avg.
As we embark on this challenging civic adventure, we leave you here a collection of articles to help you manage your home’s energy needs efficiently in the near-term.
PS: Last week's newsletter can be found here.
