Latest news with #RichardMcCann
San Francisco Chronicle
14-05-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
Letters: Who loses when California lets PG&E's profit motive dictate energy policy?
Regarding 'California wants to kill rooftop solar — all because officials were duped by this flawed theory' (Open Forum, May 11): Thanks to Richard McCann for shining light on PG&E's strategy to blame rooftop solar instead of its profit-driven incentives for its skyrocketing rates. The state Legislature, California Public Utilities Commission and Gov. Gavin Newsom are complicit when they base energy policy on PG&E's desire to build costly, and often unnecessary, projects just so its 10.3% state-guaranteed return for investors kicks in. Our leaders must stop acting like hostages when PG&E threatens grid reliability or underinvestment if rate hikes aren't approved. You know who invests in the energy grid at no cost to the state and without a 10.3% profit? Rooftop solar customers — the group PG&E is so desperately trying to villainize. It's ungainly for PG&E to rake in record-breaking profits while simultaneously jacking up rates, so it punches down on solar customers rather than expose its board of directors or Patti Poppe, its multimillion-dollar-salaried CEO. Energy policy should focus on ratepayers and the state's goal to cut fossil fuel use. All ratepayers win when there are cost savings, public land preservation, more grid capacity through renewable energy and renewed trust in the leaders we elect. Yvette DiCarlo, Sacramento Prevent child trauma The focus on 'adverse childhood events' (ACES) has become popular and is supported by state funding. But ACES relates to trauma that has already occurred and preventing further damage is known as secondary prevention. It is important, but the main focus should be on primary prevention — what can be done by doctors with parents, social service programs, early intervention programs and others to prevent the 'toxic stress' in the first place. Society must prevent the environmental, structural, health and other negative challenges that children and families face before they become adverse for the child, the family and society. Dr. Peter Michael Miller, San Rafael Disgraceful U.S. history Regarding 'How to stop Trump? Listen to the American president who defeated fascism' (Open Forum, May 8): I was at first amused and then appalled to read the author's opinion of the United States' 'leadership of the 'free world,' which he views as an unalloyed force for good, bringing a 'global order of security, peace and prosperity.' ' Ask the people of Guatemala and Iran whether the U.S. brought them 'peace and prosperity' by overthrowing their elected governments in the 1950s. Ask the people of Vietnam, who lost millions of lives to their struggle against colonialism. Or the people of South Africa, who suffered under apartheid, supported by our government until the weight of world opinion made it too difficult to justify. There are many more examples. The author professes opposition to President Donald Trump, but his blatant whitewashing of history — canceling the voices that U.S. hegemony has harmed — is completely in line with Trump's policies. Avilee Goodwin, Richmond Stop the steal President Donald Trump wants to accept Qatar's gift of a plane to serve as his Air Force One, which would then be given to his presidential museum. Boeing is under contract to provide two 747s to replace the pair that serve as Air Force One. Boeing is well behind schedule, but these planes are supposed to be ready by 2027. No one has suggested that the current fleet is inadequate except for Trump. At best, the plane from Qatar would be usable after a year or more extensive retrofitting, surely costing hundreds of millions of dollars. The impact of all this? Trump would get to fly in a marginally more commodious plane for about two years, costing taxpayers hundreds of millions — for a prop at the Trump museum. Art of the deal indeed. Albert Sukoff, Berkeley
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Energy experts argue at government hearing about the drivers of soaring electricity rates: 'Analysts disagree'
As electricity bills continue to soar across California, a recent state government hearing highlighted a hopeful message: Solar energy is not the villain it's often made out to be. Frequently blamed for rising electricity prices for other consumers, the truth was revealed that other consumers are not charged for solar energy; in fact, it may even save them money. Instead, clean energy advocates are pointing to larger systemic issues, such as rising utility infrastructure costs, as the real culprits behind inflated rates. "It's really the utility spending driving rate increases," said Richard McCann, a reporter who covers the California Solar and Storage Association. "The key question, really, is how do we control utility spending, not how do we make everyone pay for uncontrolled spending," The numbers tell a compelling story, but they require some background to really understand. Electricity utility rates in California have jumped by more than 91 percent since 2014, making the state's electricity some of the most expensive in the country. But according to clean energy experts, much of that increase is tied to utility spending on physical electrical transmitters and money for the benefit of shareholders — not rooftop solar programs. Solar energy, which has historically been a scapegoat for rising energy prices, remains one of the most effective ways for households to cut their energy bills while remaining environmentally friendly. By switching to solar consumers can save over $1,500 yearly, as well as the over $4,500 in tax breaks they can save users each year. Solar doesn't just cut bills, but pollution, too. Cleaner air, lower utility costs, and energy independence are all on the table. If you're interested in getting a good price on solar panels, check out EnergySage's free solar quotes tool to compare estimates from installers in your area. It works like Expedia does for hotels and flights, showing you the best options in your area. EnergySage also has tools to help with government credits with any project, making it TCD's top pick for navigating the world of solar panel installations. This debate culminated in a wide range of perspectives presented at the hearing, with officials and experts weighing in on both the benefits and the contested costs of rooftop solar. Do you think home heating costs are higher than they should be? Definitely Depends on the season Depends where you live No Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Beyond advancing clean energy goals, California's robust rooftop solar adoption … has helped prevent blackouts by easing grid strain during peak summer demand," according to the Commission Report. "Analysts disagree about whether those programs increase or decrease costs for residents who do not install solar panels," the report added. "Witnesses at the first hearing generally argued that the installation of rooftop solar increases rates for other customers, while witnesses at this hearing argued exactly the opposite." Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
