Solving California’s energy affordability crisis can help the whole nation

Utility Dive · Ric O’Connell; Michael O’Boyle · 2026-10-13 10:56 UTC

The state's electricity prices are double the national average, and wildfires are a big reason — but far from the only one. Fresh leadership can show the way on regulatory, financial and operational reform, write experts at GridLab and Energy Innovation.

Ric O’Connell is executive director of GridLab, and Michael O’Boyle is senior director for policy and strategy at Energy Innovation.

Rising electricity bills are crushing customers and household budgets — and America’s energy affordability crisis is most acute in California.

The state’s prices are now double the national average and the second highest in the country. It’s no wonder 80% of Californians say lowering utility bills should be a top priority for lawmakers.

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