By Gina Yarbrough
Del Mar, CA–Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) brought together labor, clean energy, environmental and consumer advocates Monday for a roundtable focused on rising energy costs and potential solutions to the nation’s energy challenges.
The discussion was part of the House Democrats Gas and Utilities Affordability Working Group, which Levin co-chairs with Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13). Participants shared ideas for reducing energy costs and offered potential legislative solutions.
Levin said electricity prices have increased more than twice as fast as inflation over the past year, while California utility bills have risen more than 30% over the past five years. He said costs could continue to increase as the war in Iran escalates, new data centers connect to the electrical grid and clean-energy tax credits phase out following their repeal by the Trump administration.
The working group was tasked by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries with developing proposals to address rising energy costs, provide relief for working families and promote economic development and job growth.
“Families in Southern California and across the country are getting squeezed by rising energy costs and utility bills that are outpacing their paychecks. That’s not sustainable, and it’s not acceptable,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “Today’s roundtable conversation with local leaders gave us a clearer picture of what’s driving up these energy costs here in Southern California, and what Congress can do to bring relief.”
Levin said the discussion provided additional insight into the factors driving energy costs in Southern California and potential steps Congress could take to provide relief. He said the working group is examining policies that could lower costs and expand access to affordable clean energy.
Cori Schumacher, policy director and political organizer for IBEW 569, said working families are struggling with higher costs and called for action to make energy more affordable while maintaining workforce standards for energy generation, storage, transmission and delivery.
“Working families continue to struggle under the weight of rising costs. Something must be done to make energy more affordable,” said Schumacher. “That’s why we were proud to join today’s conversation with Rep. Mike Levin.
Adria Tinnin, director of Race Equity for The Utility Reform Network, said California residents and businesses face some of the highest utility rates in the continental United States while utility companies report high profits.
“It’s important that our state’s national representatives continue to discuss these challenges and the policy solutions necessary to help families and businesses thrive, not just survive, in California,” Tinnin said.
Serena Pelka of the Climate Action Campaign said monopoly utilities are contributing to higher rates through spending and profits. She called for clean-energy policies that prioritize consumers and communities.
“The monopoly utilities are driving up rates through unchecked spending and exorbitant profits, actively looking the other way while communities beg for relief. It’s clear we know what real solutions look like: clean energy and policies that put people first,” said Pelka.
The House Democrats Gas and Utilities Affordability Working Group plans to continue gathering input from communities and stakeholders nationwide as it develops a legislative roadmap for the next Congress.
