NEWS

Newsom Blasts Trump for Future Rate Hikes—While Californians Face Their Own Electricity Crisis

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is warning Trump’s energy policies could raise utility bills, even as his own state faces outages and soaring costs. As federal incentives fade, the battle over who pays for clean energy is heating up fast.

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California Governor Gavin Newsom is once again taking aim at former President Donald Trump—this time over energy policy. In a fiery press conference, Newsom warned that Trump’s tax plan could cause energy rates to surge. But while pointing fingers at D.C., he’s also managing a full-blown electricity crisis back home.

Newsom Blasts Trump for Future Rate Hikes—While Californians Face Their Own Electricity Crisis
Newsom Blasts Trump for Future Rate Hikes

Newsom Blasts Trump for Future Rate Hikes

TakeawayData
California utility bills surged by up to 67%Due to wildfire mitigation and infrastructure costs
Trump-era tax reforms could raise household bills 7%If clean energy credits are cut
Rolling blackouts continue statewideDuring high fire-risk periods

Newsom’s critique of Trump’s energy policies isn’t just campaign rhetoric. With real-world effects on electricity rates, grid stability, and climate goals, Californians are caught in a tug-of-war between state ambition and federal retrenchment.

Whether or not lawsuits and new laws can shield consumers remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: This is no longer a red vs. blue issue. It’s a matter of keeping the lights on—without going broke.

Newsom vs. Trump: The Latest Clash

Earlier this year, Newsom slammed Trump’s proposed rollback of clean energy tax credits, saying it would undermine California’s grid reliability and inflate monthly bills. “We’re already paying more in taxes than we get back,” he tweeted, threatening to withhold payments to the federal government in protest.

The Trump campaign has proposed rolling back elements of the Inflation Reduction Act, including incentives for solar, wind, and electric vehicle infrastructure. Newsom says such moves would derail California’s climate goals—and hike costs for everyday Californians. As someone who’s followed CPUC hearings for years, I’ve seen how wildfire-related expenses get passed straight to customers. It’s not theory—it’s line items on your bill.

California’s Ongoing Power Struggles

While the political sparring grabs headlines, Californians are facing very real problems at home:

  • Massive rate hikes: Utilities like PG&E and SCE have implemented sharp increases to fund fire-prevention and grid upgrades.
  • Rolling blackouts: Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during high-risk weather events remain common.
  • Uncertain future: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) projects more increases as climate adaptation costs grow.

These challenges have left many residents feeling squeezed. One Los Angeles resident told CalMatters, “I’m cutting groceries to keep the AC on.”

What’s in Trump’s Energy Plan?

Trump allies in Congress have targeted the Inflation Reduction Act’s climate provisions. The proposed changes would:

  • Slash federal tax credits for solar and wind projects
  • Impose deadlines that complicate project financing
  • Reduce federal funding for grid modernization

California relies heavily on those credits to fund clean energy transitions. Without them, utilities may shift costs to customers.

Newsom Claims Trump Will Supercharge Electricity Prices As His Own Ratepayers Get Crushed
Newsom Claims Trump Will Supercharge Electricity Prices

Can Newsom Fight Back?

Newsom is trying. He’s filed a multi-state lawsuit against Trump’s new tariffs and climate policy rollbacks. He also signed SB 540, aiming to bring California into a regional power market—though critics warn this might backfire by exposing the state to coal-heavy power mixes. Despite his bold moves, some energy experts say ratepayers may still lose. Without federal backing, California might have to go it alone.

What You Can Do Now

  • Monitor rate cases: CPUC dockets are public and allow for community comment.
  • Invest in backup power: Solar-plus-battery systems can offer relief during outages.
  • Support local legislation: Bills like SB 253 and SB 261 aim to enhance transparency on emissions and costs.

FAQs

How high could my bill go if Trump’s plan passes?

Utility experts project household electricity costs could rise about 7 %, with businesses up to 8.5 % over the next decade due to expiring clean-energy tax credits kiplinger.com.

What exactly is SB 540?

It’s a bill allowing California’s grid operator to join a multi-state electricity market. But critics warn it could undermine the state’s ability to block coal power—even if Trump-friendly FERC requires coal-inclusive rules sfchronicle.com.

Will Newsom’s lawsuit stop Trump’s energy rollbacks?

That’s uncertain. Lawsuits could delay policies and raise legal challenges, but federal courts may allow some changes to proceed. It’s part of a long tug-of-war.

Electricity Crisis Future Rate Hikes
Author
Pankaj Bhatt
I'm a reporter at ALMFD focused on U.S. politics, social change, and the issues that matter to the next generation. I’m passionate about clear, credible journalism that helps readers cut through noise and stay truly informed. At ALMFD, I work to make every story fact-based, relevant, and empowering—because democracy thrives on truth.

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