A reporter reflects on what ongoing rate hikes by a major California utility mean for residents in the state’s hottest regions.
Climate Change
Imperial Valley's high diabetes rates and extreme heat, worsened by poverty and limited healthcare, pose severe health risks. More resources and education are crucial to address the crisis.
Pedro and Elizabeth Betancourt conserve energy but still face high bills. A new CPUC rate structure aims to make costs more equitable, benefiting high-energy users in extreme temperatures by adding a fixed charge.
California faces record-high heat and soaring energy costs. Aid programs like LIHEAP, CARE, FERA, and AMP help, but many eligible residents are unaware or underutilizing these resources.
Girls Inc. in Carpinteria is now a climate resilience hub, offering solar power, air conditioning, and support during extreme heat. It's one of three pilot sites aiding vulnerable communities in Santa Barbara County.
Although the Central Coast is known for its moderate climate, projections for the region show an increase in the frequency and severity of heat waves in the coming decades.
Climate scientists expect more heat waves to hit the Central Coast in the coming years, which could put people’s health at risk. Medical experts say preparing for extreme heat can minimize visits to the ER.
As extreme heat becomes more frequent on the Central Coast, a local non-profit is working to make homes more weather resilient at no-cost for low-income residents.