Newsom's last chance to tackle California's electricity costs

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has until the end of September to decide on several bills that could affect electricity costs for homeowners in the state. The most significant, Senate Bill 905, would limit utility profits on wildfire-prevention spending and push utilities to use their existing grids more efficiently before building costly upgrades. A related bill, SB913, would open new paths for "virtual power plants" — networks of home batteries, EV chargers, and smart thermostats that can feed power back to the grid — to reduce reliance on expensive backup gas plants. Newsom has vetoed similar efforts before, so it's unclear if he'll sign these.

Other bills awaiting his signature touch homeowners more directly. SB868 would legalize "balcony solar," small solar setups that plug into a regular outlet without a lengthy utility review, though the current version would expire in 2030. AB1813 would restart efforts to create a community solar and battery program, letting people who can't install their own solar buy into shared systems. AB2313 would require gas utilities to offer homeowners money toward heat pumps, induction stoves, and other electric appliances when their home's gas line needs replacing.

None of these bills are law yet — they depend on whether Newsom signs them by month's end. If enacted, they could eventually affect what rebates or programs are available to California homeowners, particularly around home solar, batteries, and electrification, though specifics would depend on how the programs are implemented afterward.