California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra has outlined a plan to make midday electricity usage free for millions of working families, an initiative aimed at advancing the state’s clean-energy transition while lowering household power bills. Becerra, a Democrat, emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and prioritizing affordability in energy policy as he vies to succeed current Governor Gavin Newsom.
The proposal, known as Power Hour, would provide up to two hours of free electricity daily during midday hours, when solar energy generation peaks and wholesale power prices are at their lowest. This strategy seeks to encourage consumers to shift electricity use to periods when the grid is supplied primarily by solar power, reducing reliance on more expensive and polluting sources used overnight. Becerra’s campaign estimates that participating families could save approximately $1,000 annually.
Currently, California’s grid operator often wastes excess solar power, particularly during the spring, with estimates suggesting more than 10% of solar energy is curtailed. Wholesale electricity prices can dip below zero during peak solar hours, as generation exceeds demand. However, many utilities charge uniform rates regardless of the time electricity is consumed, diminishing incentives for load shifting. Power Hour aims to address this by automatically crediting participating households’ bills, without additional paperwork.
Similar programs have been implemented internationally. For example, Australia launched a scheme in July offering three hours of free power during daylight, allowing households to perform high-energy tasks such as running dishwashers, doing laundry, and charging electric vehicles without cost. California has also begun a local pilot with Clean Power Alliance, which supplies electricity to much of Los Angeles County. This pilot grants more than 4,000 households free power from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. over two years, with researchers from UCLA monitoring its impact on consumption patterns.
The implementation of Power Hour faces potential challenges from regulatory developments at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The commission is considering raising fixed monthly charges on household electricity bills, including incorporating wildfire-related costs estimated between $250 and $490 annually per household. Fixed fees are charges levied regardless of actual electricity consumption.
Critics argue that increasing fixed charges undermines efforts to promote energy conservation and the adoption of clean energy technologies such as rooftop solar and batteries, as these fees apply regardless of usage. Furthermore, higher fixed charges disproportionately affect low-income households and those with lower consumption, potentially exacerbating economic inequality. Some stakeholders suggest alternative funding approaches, such as allowing insurers and wildfire victims to pursue legal claims against fossil fuel companies for climate-related damages, rather than passing costs directly to consumers.
The upcoming mayoral race in Los Angeles also bears significance for regional energy policy. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) sets its own rates independently of state regulators. Currently, LADWP imposes higher electricity rates during daytime hours when solar output is abundant and power is cheaper, contrary to time-of-use pricing that rewards off-peak consumption. Both leading mayoral candidates have been urged to address this discrepancy to align with statewide climate goals.
In contrast to Becerra’s proposals, his Republican opponent, Steve Hilton, has expressed opposition to California’s current environmental policies. Hilton supports increased fossil fuel production and the Sable offshore oil project, while proposing to dismantle existing climate measures.
As California approaches the November election, Becerra’s platform emphasizes expanding access to clean, affordable energy and integrating innovative programs like Power Hour as part of broader efforts to transition away from fossil fuels. The election’s outcome will influence how the state balances climate objectives with energy costs and infrastructure development moving forward.