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California braces for new electric plan: Make more, pay more

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California braces for new electric plan: Make more, pay more


How to go green without going broke? That’s the latest challenge in the alternative energy capital of California, where Democrats propose taxing the rich to make energy more equitable and affordable. To do so, lawmakers mandated utilities statewide  begin billing ratepayers based not on how much electricity they use, but on how much money they make.

“This would be the first state to charge people based on their income rather than what they actually just use,” said Shon Hiatt, director of the USC Business of Energy Transition initiative. 

“The problem here has been affordability. While California has focused almost completely on clean energy, it has disregarded reliability and affordability, and costs have continued to escalate. So, one of the (ways) they thought to address affordability (was), ‘Let’s just consider a tax and begin taxing people based on their income to address electricity rates.'”

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has until July 1 to impose the new rate structure. The state’s three main utilities — Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas and Electric — proposed a tiered rate plan.

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California Gas Illustration

Gov. Gavin Newsom has been heavily criticized for California’s new energy mandate. (Fox News / Fox News)

Households earning $28,000-$69,000 would be charged an extra $20 to $34 per month. Those earning $69,000-$180,000 would pay $51 to $73 per month, and those earning more than $180,000 would pay a $85-to-$128 monthly surcharge.

That’s a lot considering California’s electricity rates are already among the highest in the nation. People living in California have been paying 32 cents per kilowatt-hour compared to the national average of 18 cents, according to Energy Sage, which has monitored energy prices nationwide. It claimed California residents have been paying $273 per month on average for electricity, or $3,276 per year.

The proposal is creating havoc for Sacramento Democrats, especially among higher-earning Californians along the coast. More than a dozen state Democrats have been trying to unwind their votes, echoing some Republicans who opposed the “graduated income fixed charge rule.”

“Our constituents have had enough and so have we,” said Thousand Oaks Democrat Jacqui Irwin. “It’s time to put some reasoning back into how we charge for electricity in California. At a time when energy conservation is badly needed to avoid rolling blackouts, this dramatic policy shift could actually result in increased usage by some Californians.”

Irwin voted for the bill last year but changed her mind after constituents complained that middle-income residents who conserve energy may be paying more than neighbors who use more energy.

There’s also the issue of privacy and income verification. It’s unclear who or which agency would be required to obtain ratepayers’ tax information to determine their electric bills.

“It would be nearly impossible to implement given the many legal and privacy challenges that there would undoubtedly be to accurately determine every taxpayer in the state’s income,” Irwin said.

“The assumption is, ‘Well, if you’re making $100,000 in the state, you must be super-wealthy,'” Hiatt remarked. “But what if you have five or six kids? Will they be treated the same as a single head of household?”

Why did California entertain this bureaucratic nightmare? Many critics have blamed Gov. Gavin Newsom and his strict energy mandate that the state be carbon-free by 2035, along with the Democrat’s insistence that lawmakers fast-track the bill with no discussion.

Terrie Prosper, a CPUC spokeswoman, told a local TV station that implementation of the bill marked a critical step toward California’s climate goals because a lower usage rate would lower costs for consumers to charge an electric vehicle or run an electric heat pump.

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Underscoring all of this is California’s rush to embrace clean energy, which, contrary to what Californians were told, has not proven cheaper than fossil fuels.

“This electricity will be clean electricity,” Vice President Kamala Harris said in January 2023 while dedicating a power line to carry green energy into California, “and the energy delivered by these lines will not just be cleaner, it will also be cheaper.”

A year earlier in Carlsbad, while dedicating a solar plant, President Biden said, “It’s also now cheaper to generate electricity from wind and solar than it is from coal and oil, literally cheaper.”

oil drilling in california

Oil drilling equipment on federal land near Fellows, Calif., April 15, 2023. (REUTERS/Nichola Groom/File Photo / Reuters Photos)

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That is not proving true in California, where electric rates have been higher than in virtually every other state.

“Renewable energy is not cheaper than natural gas or coal or other types of baseload energy,” said Hiatt. “The problem with intermittent renewables is that they’re not on all the time. You still need natural gas or battery backup.”



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The Pros and Cons of Refinancing Your Home Loan: What You Should Consider

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The Pros and Cons of Refinancing Your Home Loan: What You Should Consider


Refinancing your home loan can be a smart financial move to help you save money or achieve other financial goals. However, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making this decision. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of refinancing your home loan and what you should consider before taking this step.

Pros of Refinancing Your Home Loan:

1. Lower Interest Rates: One of the main reasons homeowners choose to refinance is to take advantage of lower interest rates. By securing a lower rate, you can potentially save thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

2. Lower Monthly Payments: Refinancing can also help lower your monthly mortgage payments, giving you more breathing room in your budget. This can be especially beneficial for homeowners in cities with high costs of living, such as New York City or San Francisco.

3. Cash-Out Refinance: A cash-out refinance allows you to tap into your home’s equity and use the funds for other purposes, such as home improvements, debt consolidation, or college tuition. This can be a valuable option for homeowners looking to leverage their home’s value.

4. Shorter Loan Term: Refinancing to a shorter loan term can help you pay off your mortgage faster and save on interest costs in the long run. This can be a good option for homeowners who are nearing retirement or want to be mortgage-free sooner.

Cons of Refinancing Your Home Loan:

1. Closing Costs: Refinancing typically involves closing costs, which can add up to thousands of dollars. It’s important to factor in these costs when considering refinancing to ensure that the savings outweigh the fees.

2. Resetting the Clock: When you refinance your home loan, you are essentially starting over with a new loan term. This means you may end up paying more interest over time, especially if you had already paid off a significant portion of your original loan.

3. Credit Score Impact: Refinancing can temporarily lower your credit score, as it involves a hard inquiry on your credit report. If you plan to apply for new credit or a mortgage in the near future, this could potentially affect your approval odds.

4. Risk of Losing Equity: If you continually refinance your home loan to cash out equity, you run the risk of depleting your home’s equity and potentially owing more than your home is worth. This can be a risky financial move, especially in cities with volatile housing markets such as Los Angeles or Seattle.

What You Should Consider Before Refinancing:

Before refinancing your home loan, it’s important to carefully consider your financial goals and situation. Take into account your current interest rate, loan term, credit score, and home equity. Additionally, it’s a good idea to shop around and compare rates from different mortgage companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Some local mortgage companies in major cities that you may consider reaching out to for refinancing options include:

1. New York City: Citibank Mortgage, Chase Home Lending, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
2. Los Angeles: Bank of America Home Loans, Quicken Loans, US Bank Home Mortgage
3. Chicago: PNC Mortgage, Fifth Third Bank Mortgage, Guaranteed Rate
4. Houston: BBVA USA Mortgage, First Continental Mortgage, Supreme Lending

By carefully weighing the pros and cons of refinancing your home loan and considering your individual financial situation, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out to local mortgage companies for more information and guidance on your refinancing options.

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Unlocking the Savings Potential of Home Loan Refinancing

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Unlocking the Savings Potential of Home Loan Refinancing


The decision to purchase a home is a significant milestone in anyone’s life. However, the responsibility of paying off a mortgage can often feel like a burden, especially when interest rates are high. This is where home loan refinancing comes in. By refinancing your mortgage, you have the opportunity to potentially lower your monthly payments, reduce the total amount of interest paid over the life of the loan, or even cash out equity in your home for other financial needs.

In bustling cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, where housing prices are sky-high, homeowners are always looking for ways to make the most of their investments. That’s where local mortgage companies like ABC Mortgage and XYZ Home Loans come in. These companies specialize in helping homeowners navigate the complexities of home loan refinancing, ensuring they are able to unlock the savings potential of their mortgage.

By working with a local mortgage company, homeowners can tap into their expertise and knowledge of the local market. They can provide personalized advice tailored to the specific needs and goals of each individual homeowner. Whether it’s finding the best interest rates, understanding the different types of refinancing options available, or helping homeowners navigate the paperwork and documentation, these local mortgage companies are there every step of the way.

One of the key benefits of home loan refinancing is the potential to lower monthly payments. This can be particularly beneficial for homeowners in cities like Chicago, where the cost of living is high. By refinancing their mortgage at a lower interest rate, homeowners can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year, freeing up valuable cash flow for other expenses. And with local mortgage companies like 123 Mortgage Solutions and Citywide Home Loans offering competitive rates and terms, homeowners have the opportunity to take advantage of these savings.

Another advantage of home loan refinancing is the ability to cash out equity in your home. This can be especially beneficial for homeowners in cities like Miami, where property values are constantly on the rise. By refinancing their mortgage and taking out a larger loan amount, homeowners can access the equity in their home to fund home improvements, pay off high-interest debt, or finance other financial goals. And with local mortgage companies like Miami Home Financing and Sunshine Mortgage Group offering cash-out refinancing options, homeowners have the flexibility and control to make the most of their investment.

In conclusion, home loan refinancing offers homeowners the opportunity to unlock the savings potential of their mortgage. By working with local mortgage companies who understand the intricacies of the local market, homeowners can take advantage of lower interest rates, reduced monthly payments, and the ability to cash out equity in their homes. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Miami, or any other city across the country, home loan refinancing can help you achieve your financial goals and make the most of your investment. So why wait? Contact a local mortgage company today to explore your options and start saving!

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Home Loan Refinancing: Everything You Need to Know Before Making a Decision

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Home Loan Refinancing: Everything You Need to Know Before Making a Decision


Home Loan Refinancing: Everything You Need to Know Before Making a Decision

If you’re a homeowner, you may have heard about home loan refinancing as a way to potentially save money on your mortgage payments or even access some cash from your home’s equity. But before you make a decision, it’s important to have all the facts. In this blog post, we will delve into the ins and outs of home loan refinancing, including when it makes sense, how to go about it, and some specific considerations to keep in mind.

When Does Home Loan Refinancing Make Sense?

Home loan refinancing can be a smart move in certain circumstances. For example, if you can lower your interest rate significantly, you may end up saving money over the life of the loan. Additionally, if you currently have an adjustable-rate mortgage and want to switch to a fixed-rate loan for more predictability in your monthly payments, refinancing could be a good option.

Another reason to consider refinancing is if you want to shorten the term of your loan. By refinancing to a shorter-term mortgage, you may be able to pay off your house sooner and save on interest costs in the long run. Similarly, if you have built up a significant amount of equity in your home and want to access some of that cash for renovations or other expenses, refinancing could allow you to do so through a cash-out refinance.

How to Go About Refinancing

If you decide that refinancing is the right choice for you, the next step is to start the process. The first thing you’ll want to do is shop around for the best refinancing rates. You can do this by contacting local mortgage companies in your area, such as ABC Mortgage in New York City or XYZ Home Loans in Los Angeles. These companies will be able to provide you with quotes and information on the current market rates.

Once you have compared rates and terms from different lenders, you can choose the one that best fits your needs and start the application process. Keep in mind that refinancing typically involves similar steps to getting a new mortgage, including a credit check, appraisal of your home, and verification of your income and assets.

Specific Considerations for Home Loan Refinancing

Before you make a final decision on refinancing, there are a few specific considerations to keep in mind. For example, it’s important to calculate the break-even point of the refinance, which is the point at which the savings from the new loan outweigh the costs of refinancing. This will help you determine whether the refinance is financially beneficial for you.

Additionally, make sure to consider any prepayment penalties or fees associated with your current loan. Some lenders charge a penalty if you pay off your mortgage early, so be sure to factor this into your calculations when deciding whether to refinance.

In conclusion, home loan refinancing can be a valuable tool for homeowners looking to save money on their mortgage payments, access cash from their home’s equity, or switch to a more stable loan structure. By understanding when it makes sense to refinance, how to go about it, and what specific considerations to keep in mind, you can make an informed decision that benefits your financial situation in the long run. So, contact local mortgage companies like ABC Mortgage or XYZ Home Loans today to explore your refinancing options and start the process of potentially saving money on your home loan.

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