In one of his last political pushes as governor, Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to speed up payouts for wildfire victims. Critics say it helps utilities avoid accountability
He’s trying to keep electricity rates down for California residents (which are driven in part by wildfire costs). Is this the best way? I’m not sure. But if residents aren’t paying via electricity rates, they will pay another way. Insurance (if you can get it). Taxes (if voters will agree to it). Maybe other ways. None of them are that palatable.
He’s trying to keep electricity rates down for California residents (which are driven in part by wildfire costs). Is this the best way? I’m not sure. But if residents aren’t paying via electricity rates, they will pay another way. Insurance (if you can get it). Taxes (if voters will agree to it). Maybe other ways. None of them are that palatable.
They could tax insurance sales to high risk or high value properties. They’re the ones that will ultimately be the biggest burden in a fire anyway.
In reality the costs should fall on the utility companies that likely caused several of the fires. But that would raise prices for everyone.