Charting all the ways green madness means Californians pay more

California boasts some of the highest retail electricity rates in the country, second only to Hawaii, despite being the fourth-largest electricity producer.California’s high energy prices are the direct consequence of a misguided policy that pushes renewables ahead of fossil fuels.

An “all of the above” approach that combined fossil fuels with renewables would naturally lower prices, prevent rate spikes, and ensure reliability.Such a balance is sorely needed. Since the 2002 inception of California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which mandated that renewable energy would encompass 20% of all energy production in the state by 2017, the goalposts have moved further to the extreme.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story The goal was first expanded in 2015 to 50% by 2030, then in 2018 to 60% by 2030, with an ultimate goal of 100% by 2045.

These rules require utilities to get a rising share of their power from renewables, at a cost higher than the market would otherwise choose.Utilities recover those extra costs by jacking up rates for consumers.The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) operates the wholesale electricity market for about 80% of California and a small portion of Nevada.

In doing so, it supports Sacramento’s renewable energy push, even as it creates reliability and pricing challenges.CAISO is supposed to provide the cheapest electricity available at any given time from the nearest, most affordable, and available source possible.

Solar and wind are made to appear cheaper than natural gas and other traditional fuels, thanks to government subsidies to solar and wind.Despite having its market share forcibly diminished by renewables, natural gas still provided 31% of California’s total net electricity generation in 2025.For examp...