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<\/a><\/p>\nI read an interesting article a few weeks ago<\/a>\u00a0about California’s grid and the problems that lie ahead.\u00a0According to Calmatters<\/a>, “The state\u00a0must triple its power generation capacity<\/a>\u00a0and deploy new solar and wind energy at almost five times the pace of the past decade,” to have enough energy for its lofty green energy goals.<\/p>\n With the Federal Government’s shutdown of the Keystone pipeline and the war in Ukraine, the cost of natural gas has also risen across the country, and especially in California.\u00a0California\u2019s utility rates are consistently 30% higher than the national average.<\/p>\n Then there’s SDG&E. While it’s simple for Government to point the finger at the gas\/energy provider, it is a bit more complicated. Wildfire mitigation and renewable enegy construction are major cost drivers for SDG&E, which then pushes those costs onto us, the ratepayers. Rather than consumers taking on these costs, the State should invest in the infrastructure, using tax dollars and fees (collected from the same consumers).<\/p>\n Another added cost is a State mandate for\u00a0transportation electrification requiring utility companies to invest in charging station infrastructure. That is also passed down to ratepayers.<\/p>\n With that being said, SDG&E\u00a0should not be making record profits<\/a>\u00a0especially while people are suffering.<\/p>\n So, what can we do?<\/p>\n First, I encourage you to express your concerns and how the rise in energy costs are personally affecting you to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The CPUC is the regulatory board for SDGE that approves their rate raises every year. The CPUC board members are in Northern California, so they don\u2019t know what San Diegans are going through right now.<\/p>\n I encourage you to take action by leaving a public comment.\u00a0 Here is a link to SDG&E\u2019s General Rate Case:\u00a0https:\/\/apps.cpuc.ca. There must be measures in place to protect ratepayers.<\/p>\n Also, most of the natural gas used in California comes from out-of-state natural gas basins. California’s Governor should\u00a0be looking for ways to increase the production of natural gas within CA and ways to offset the costs of electricity.<\/p>\n I consistently advocate for a balanced approach to most things. Whether it’s a transportation plan or climate goals, we need to balance the future with the realities of today.<\/p>\n Today, costs are high and San Diegans are struggling to afford day-to-day necessities. The unintended consequences from the State and Federal government are crushing families and seniors on fixed incomes.<\/p>\n To show the lack of foresight from the State, last August, the Air Resources Board passed a regulation that all cars must be zero-emissions by 2035.\u00a0Just six days later,\u00a0<\/strong>California\u2019s power grid was so taxed by heat waves that an unprecedented, 10-day emergency alert warned residents to cut electricity use or face outages.<\/p>\n The state should not require Californians to buy electric cars, or switch to electric stoves, if the grid can’t supply enough power to make it through summer months. Government has caused a majority of these issues, it must now work to find the solution.<\/p>\n I’m going to continue to look for solutions here at the County and will keep you updated on my efforts.<\/p>\n Black history should not be segmented into one month, but we can use this time to honor the many wonderful groups that make North County a better place!<\/p>\n In June of last year, we honored the Oceanside, North County African American Women\u2019s Association for enhancing the lives of young females through their mentoring and scholarship programs, and just the past Saturday we honored the North San Diego County NAACP Youth Council<\/strong>\u00a0for their effective educational empowerment program.<\/p>\n Also, at this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, we were able to honor two special groups who are making a difference in our community!<\/p>\n Check out the video to learn more about the National Black Contractors Association and the\u00a0People\u2019s Association of Justice Advocates.<\/p>\n
\nHonoring Black History Month<\/h2>\n
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