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SoCal Matters

How Utlities Shareholders Get Funds

Season 2025 Episode 294

California’s investor-owned utilities collect millions in shareholder profits through customer bills, adding to rising energy costs. While meant to attract investment, critics argue it unfairly burdens ratepayers, especially as wildfire-related expenses drive rates higher. With shareholder returns built into rates, many Californians are paying more without a breakdown of where their money goes.

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Season
Palm Springs Airport Plans $2.2 Billion Expansion
2:00
A $2.2 billion expansion aims to modernize and grow Palm Springs International Airport.
Citizenship Fears Rise Among CA's Mixed-Status Families
1:58
Immigration fears grow for California’s mixed-status families amid policy shifts.
How Debris Flows Endanger LA's Fire-Ravaged Communities
2:00
Rainstorms threaten SoCal communities with destructive debris flows after wildfires.
All About the $50 Million Fund to Trump-Proof CA
2:00
Governor Gavin Newsom has approved $50 million to fund legal challenges against Trump-era policies.
New Maps Show 2.3M Acres at High Risk for Wildfires in California
2:00
California adds 2.3M acres to high-risk fire zones, with new rules for ember-resistant zones.
Will Full-Time Firefighters Solve California's Wildfire Crisis?
2:00
California lawmakers propose full-time firefighters to improve year-round wildfire readiness.
Slow Sales Threaten California’s EV Mandate
2:00
California’s EV goals face setbacks with slow sales, affordability issues, and uncertain incentives.
Safety Concerns Rise for LA Cleanup Workers Amid Fire Recovery
2:00
Concerns rise over LA cleanup workers' safety, facing toxic gases, unstable structures, and more.
New Bill Aims to Speed up Housing Recovery
2:00
AB 239 creates a task force to speed housing recovery after disasters, using a Texas model.
New Policy Shifts For Offshore Wind Project
2:00
The offshore wind lease ban won’t stop California’s plans but may slow renewable progress.
New Law Ends ATM 'Junk Fees' for Low Balances
2:00
A new California law bans ATM fees for declined withdrawals due to low balances.
Charter School Destroyed in LA Fires Struggles To Rebuild
2:00
A wildfire destroyed an Altadena charter school, leaving staff and students displaced.
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California News
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