This New Law in California Will Have More People Moving to Maine

Folks in The Golden State could be making their way to our Pine Tree State thanks in part to this new legislation.

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California's major utilities are proposing changes to electricity pricing based on customers' income levels. If approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, these plans would introduce a fixed charge to cover infrastructure costs, with the amount varying based on income.

According to Fox Business, households earning $28,000 to $69,000 would be charged an extra $20 to $34 per month. Those earning $69,000 to $180,000 would pay $51 to $73 per month, and those earning more than $180,000 would pay a $85 to $128 monthly surcharge. The California Public Utilities Commission has until July 1st to impose this new electric rate structure.

These proposals are a response to a new state law that mandates utilities to implement a fixed price linked to household income to support the state's transition to renewable energy.

Under the proposed plans, lower-income households would pay a smaller fixed charge, while higher-income earners would pay more to fund grid upgrades, maintenance, and the transition to renewable energy sources.

This shift is part of California's broader goal to achieve net-zero carbon pollution by 2045.

The California Independent System Operator estimates that $9.3 billion will be required over the next decade to support the state's move towards renewable energy and electric vehicles.

More than 3,000 California residents moved to Maine in 2022.

That number is according to The Maine Monitor and is just a reflection of what could be to come if folks in California decide that the income-based plan doesn’t work for them.

Additionally, according to a November survey from the Public Policy Institute of California, 14% of California residents say they work fully remotely. So, if you can work anywhere, why not choose a state that’s much cheaper to live in than California?