California's Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee is tackling the state's soaring electric rates, which are the second highest in the nation. During a recent meeting, lawmakers highlighted that many Californians have seen their electricity bills double over the past decade, a trend they deem unsustainable.

The focus of the discussion centered on Assembly Bill 825, a proposed measure aimed at reducing these rising utility costs. The bill outlines a series of policies designed to address the primary factors driving up electricity rates, including wildfire mitigation expenses, investments in transmission infrastructure, and delays in project permitting.

Wildfire-related spending has emerged as the leading cause of increased utility rates, with committee members describing the situation as a "perfect storm." They emphasized that while the state is making historic investments to combat climate change and prevent future disasters, the current financial burden on consumers is significant.

As the committee moves forward, the goal remains clear: to identify every possible opportunity to lower electric bills for Californians and ensure that the state's energy policies are sustainable for the future.