The Cost of Sustainability in California

While sustainability is essential, it cannot come at the expense of affordability. California’s all-electric push is designed to phase out gas-powered appliances, vehicles, and infrastructure in favor of electricity. But with California electricity costs being some of the highest in the country, California’s energy mandates are not balancing sustainability with affordability—making it harder for many households already strained by high gas prices and inflation.

California’s goal of sustainability is well-intended. However, the reality is that these mandates come at a cost—one that disproportionately affects middle- and working-class households across the state.

Retrofitting homes with electric appliances, purchasing new electric vehicles, and dealing with unreliable power grids create affordability challenges that disproportionately impact communities with fewer resources. If sustainability truly is the goal, then California must ensure that its policies support—not burden—the very people who are expected to comply.

The True Cost of Sustainability: Impacts of California’s Energy Mandates

• Rising Electricity Costs: As California relies more on electricity to support sustainability efforts, demand goes up, making power even more expensive.
• Expensive Home Upgrades: Sustainability mandates require families to switch to all-electric appliances like stoves and water heaters—costs many simply cannot afford.
• HVAC System Replacements: Businesses may need to replace gas-powered heating and cooling systems with all-electric heat pumps to comply with emissions regulations.
• Unreliable Power Grid: With frequent blackouts and an unstable grid, increasing electricity use without proper infrastructure investment creates risks for residents and threatens sustainability goals.

In Southern California alone, millions of homeowners and businesses that use natural gas furnaces and water heaters may soon have to replace them due to new rules from the South Coast Air Quality Management District. While the goal is to reduce pollution, the switch to all-electric systems could be extremely costly, making it difficult for many families and small businesses to afford.

This raises an important question—how can California achieve sustainability without making life unaffordable for its residents? As organizations like CalMatters point out, some legislators have pledged to tackle affordability while maintaining sustainability efforts, but it remains unclear how they plan to find a fair balance.

Take Action
Sustainability should not mean sacrificing affordability. California must find a way to implement sustainability initiatives that do not overburden families already struggling with high costs. Smart policies would make sustainability accessible to all, rather than forcing costly changes that disproportionately impact working-class communities.

If you are frustrated with how California’s energy policies affect you, we want to hear your story and urge policymakers to adopt fair energy policies that balance sustainability with affordability. Join us at https://levantatuvoz.org/join-us/.