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As heat waves become more intense and last longer due to climate change, setting rules when utilities can turn off the power for people not paying their utility bills is one of the top concerns of consumer advocates and state regulators, CalMatters’ Alejandro Lazo reports.
On Thursday, the California Public Utilities Commission voted to lower the temperature at which utilities are prohibited from shutting off power to delinquent customers from 100 to 90 degrees. The move comes after advocates pushed for a wider safety net, in part out of concern for residents in rural areas, where the loss of electricity could also mean the loss of water and ways to cool.
The decision rejects what the utilities wanted, which included a higher outage threshold CalHeatScore — a newly created state tool that estimates heat by zip code — and defaults to 100 degrees when the index is not available.
Two California laws also underscore the growing concern over hot temperatures on students and teacherswrite Alejandra Reyes-Velarde and Ana B. Ibarra of CalMatters.
Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this week signed legislation requiring the state board of education to consider teaching students about heat illness and its symptoms. While the law has no mandates, it “promotes awareness and prevention” and gives students “the knowledge to protect themselves,” said Assemblyman Tom Lackey, a Palmdale Republican and bill author.
Another law, passed in 2024, requires schools to draw up rules for outdoor activities when there are heat waves. The law had a key deadline this month that required schools to have heat safety plans — such as designating safe indoor activities as alternatives to outdoor ones — ready by July 1.
But critics of the legislation say it neither requires the state to spend money nor do much to make schools safer, such as updating HVAC systems and shade structures.
Read more about how extreme heat affects disconnection of utilities and classrooms.
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Other stories you should know
CalMatters is celebrating its 11th anniversary
From CalMatters Editor-in-Chief Kristen Gow:
Tomorrow marks 11 years since CalMatters began publication.
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Republicans’ money advantage
Democrats succeeded in rigging the state so that districts would be bluer for the November election. But when it comes to campaign money, Republicans lead the raceMaya S. Miller of CalMatters reports.
After redistricting, some congressional districts that were solidly Republican are now considered swing or must-win for Democrats to win control of the US House of Representatives. For the state’s two most competitive districts, expensive June primaries put Democratic candidates at a financial disadvantage compared to their GOP rivals.
In the Central Valley, for example, Republican David Valadao has more than $3.3 million in cash. His Democratic opponent, progressive newcomer Randy Villegas, has only about $571,000 after facing a Democratic opponent. Villegas’ campaign spent more than $1.45 million in the two months leading up to the primary, while Valladao’s camp spent less than $280,000.
California voices
A state bill designed to lower construction costs for affordable housing will also reduce access to electric vehicle charging for those most in need of affordable transportation, writes Michelle Pearceelectric vehicle advocate and consultant who founded EV Nirvana.
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