California residents demand Governor and Lawmakers control skyrocketing utility bills, according to new poll

Polling data shows California voters demand rate relief and reining in utility profits

Sacramento, CA — California utility consumers are demanding lawmakers rein in skyrocketing rates and hold for-profit investor-owned utilities (IOUs) accountable, according to new polling data from David Binder Research released by The Utility Reform Network (TURN) and California Environmental Voters (EV).

California voters overwhelmingly expressed strong concern about excessive, skyrocketing utility bills. By a strong majority, California residents ask that lawmakers rein in rate increases and protect consumers.

• 82% of California voters are concerned about the cost of their monthly electric bill

• 79% of California voters agree that the government should do more to limit price increases

• 93% of California voters agree that utilities should not charge customers for wasteful spending, including lobbying, PR, and marketing campaigns

• 91% of California voters support ending excessive utility profits to cut consumer costs

• 80% of Gen Z Voters agree that fossil fuel companies should pay for rising electricity bills

“It is clear from the polling data that California residents expect their elected representatives to take action now, and pass legislation that will limit utility overspending, trim record-breaking corporate profits, support public financing to reduce long-term costs, and provide short-term ratepayer relief,” said Mark Toney, Executive Director of The Utility Reform Network.

The polling data follows multiple, egregious rate hikes from California’s major for-profit utilities, which touted excessive profits while customers struggled to make ends meet. PG&E, which had six rate hikes in 2024, enjoyed a 10% increase in profits from 2023 to 2024, similar to SoCalEdison, which enjoyed a 9.8% profit increase from the year prior. Advocates point to wasteful spending and misuse of ratepayer funds as a key source of high utility bills — issues advocates hope will be remedied by new legislation.  

“California families are being further spun into an affordability crisis while for-profit utilities continue to hike up rates to increase shareholder profits. Consumers have footed the cost of utility overspending and misuse of ratepayer funds for too long. As the climate crisis worsens and extreme weather becomes more frequent, equitable access to affordable power is especially important. Now, California voters are demanding lawmakers deliver on their promises to prioritize electricity affordability by reining in utility profits and protecting consumers,” said Mary Creasman, Chief Executive Officer of California Environmental Voters.  

TURN and EnviroVoters are supporting the Campaign for Affordable Power bill package:

• AB 1167 (Berman, Addis) Prohibits utility misspending of ratepayer dollars

• AB 1020 (Schiavo): Prevents double-charging and boosts accountability

• SB 636 (Menjivar): Provides hardship deferments to vulnerable customers

• SB 330 (Padilla): Promotes alternative financing for transmission to reduce costs

• SB 24 (McNerney): Prohibits for-profit Investor-owned Owned Utilities (IOUs) from undermining the local establishment of municipal utility districts

It’s not too late for lawmakers to honor their commitments on affordability and make proper strides to protect consumers. The polling data sends a clear message to lawmakers and legislative leaders: California voters need affordable power and utility accountability.

Detailed polling results and analysis can be found at: TURN.org/campaign-for-affordable-power-cap

Contact: Alexandra Nagy • Alexandra@sunstonestrategies.org • (818) 633-0865