San Francisco, CA — Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a sweeping package of landmark energy bills designed to lower electricity costs for families, strengthen California’s energy reliability, stabilize fuel markets, and accelerate the state’s progress toward clean energy and climate resilience.
“I’m proud of the bill package that we advanced for the Governor to sign. This legislation will cut energy costs, reduce pollution, and strengthen reliability for Californians,” said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “The stakes could not be higher. As California leads the nation and the world on climate action, we must ensure families can afford their bills, create high-quality, good-paying jobs, and continue to grow the world’s fourth-largest economy.”
The Energy Affordability & Climate Resilience Package includes:
AB 825 – Lower Bills, Stronger Grid, Cleaner Future
- Potential to save Californians over $1 billion annually by increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and expanding access to affordable renewable power.
- Reduces the risk of blackouts by integrating California into a larger Western energy market, giving the state access to more diverse and resilient energy resources during extreme weather.
- Expands renewable development, cuts pollution, and helps California meet its ambitious climate targets.
SB 254 – Safer, More Affordable Energy
- Strengthens wildfire safety and oversight of utilities.
- Expands the Wildfire Fund to protect ratepayers.
- Requires greater transparency in utility practices to ensure affordable, accountable investments in the grid.
AB 1207 & SB 840 – Reauthorizing Cap-and-Trade for Climate Progress
- Extends California’s cap-and-trade program, the state’s most cost-effective climate tool.
- Maintains the twice-yearly climate credit on utility bills—now restructured to provide relief during peak billing months.
- Generates billions in revenue for housing, transit, clean air, wildfire prevention, safe drinking water, and renewable energy investments.
SB 237 – Stabilizing Fuel Prices & Protecting Communities
- Reduces volatility in gasoline prices by diversifying California’s fuel supply and stabilizing refinery operations.
- Adds stronger safety requirements for idle petroleum pipelines.
- Protects communities near petroleum wells while moving the state toward cleaner, safer energy options.
Together, these bills represent one of the most significant energy affordability and climate action packages in California history—delivering relief for families, strengthening energy security, and accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more resilient future.