by ALYSSA CARDUCCI
The Heartland Institute
The California Public Utilities Commission approved large rate hikes in electricity prices due in part to high costs associated with the state’s global warming restrictions.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved a 12 percent hike in San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (SDG&E) rates and a 10 percent hike in Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) rates. CPUC and power company officials said the rate hikes were necessary to install smart grid technologies, comply with federal and state environmental restrictions, maintain infrastructure, and comply with global warming restrictions.
