Tariff-Driven Cash Payouts, Right Off Your Smart Phone?

The U.S. Treasury has raked in $15B from Trump's tariffs - and now, thanks to Title 15, you could pocket $100-$1,000 upfront payouts yourself. No stocks needed. Just use your phone and my #1 income strategy to start collecting now.

Power bills in California have jumped nearly 50% in four years. Democrats think they have solutions

TRÂN NGUYỄN
June 06, 2025

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- California lawmakers this week advanced several efforts aimed at reining in utility profits and slashing electricity bills as part of their agenda to tackle the sky-high costs of living.

The proposals would make sweeping changes to how utilities fund expensive infrastructure projects like putting power lines underground to guard against wildfires. They also would add more oversight around wildfire mitigation spending and put new requirements on utility requests to increase rates. Supporters said the goal is to make the big investor-owned utilities start sharing some of the costs to fight wildfires and build new transmission infrastructure.

"This is not a set of modest tweaks that will make minor improvements at the edges of a problem without offending anyone," said Democratic State Sen. Josh Becker, the bill's author. "This is a big deal."

One of the bills is part of the state Senate's package to address affordability amid growing concern about the high costs of everything from gas to groceries. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order last year urging lawmakers to do something to address skyrocketing electricity rates, which rose 47% on average for residential customers between 2019 and 2023, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Analysts Office.

But Republicans, who are in the minority in both chambers, say Democrats are not meaningfully addressing high prices. They did not support the energy reform bills, saying it wouldn't lower costs, and they unsuccessfully tried to force a vote on a proposal to limit utilities from raising power rates above the rate of inflation.

Rising rates

Utility rate increases in recent years have been approved by state regulators in part to help investor-owned utilities bury power lines aimed at stopping wildfires. Some of the deadliest and most destructive fires in recent years have been sparked by power equipment. Pacific Gas & Electric, whose equipment sparked a 2018 wildfire that killed 85 people in 2024, raised its rates six times to help cover the costs of putting power lines underground and other improvement projects.

While one in every five ratepayers can't pay their power bills, utilities like PG&E raked in record-breaking profits last year, according to The Utility Reform Network, a ratepayer advocacy group. The group supports Becker's measure and has sponsored a similar effort in the Assembly.

"There are no limits to how much the utilities can ask for in rate increases. There are no limits to how many times a year they can ask," said Mark Toney, the group's executive director. "You can't blame them for asking for the sky."

Under Becker's proposal, utilities would be required to use public financing to fund the first $15 billion spent on capital investment projects. The option would allow utilities to access funding with lower interest rates, and utilities also would be prohibited from collecting a return on that investment for shareholders. That would save customers $8.8 billion over the next 10 years, Becker said.

The bill would also set up a state-backed fund to reimburse utilities for wildfire projects, among other things. But the state may not have money to pay for that this year.

The bill would also increase oversight of utility budgets and their wildfire spending. Utilities would have to include at least one rate increase proposal that doesn't exceed the rate of inflation in their requests. The proposal also calls for $60 billion worth of credits to apply on bills over the years during the summer months when usage is often at its peak.

Opposition from Republicans, utilities

Senate Democrats overwhelmingly advanced Becker's measure this week. But Republicans, utilities and the California Chamber of Commerce said it would only drive up more costs. The legislation "moves today's utility costs around without eliminating them," the chamber said in a letter in opposition. New regulations around rate increase and shareholder returns also could halt utilities' investment in preventing wildfires or enhancing the grid, the letter said.

Republican State senators said rising power bills are caused by Democrats' policies and push for more electric vehicles and less reliance on fossil fuels. In the Assembly, meanwhile, Republicans have called for permitting reforms to make it faster and cheaper to build better utility infrastructure.

"The regulation regime that we have in this state is oppressive and definitely drives prices," said Sen. Roger Niello, a Republican. "Your package of affordability is rather modest in number, but it is even more modest in its potential impact."

Lawmakers also advanced a slew of other measures aiming to provide relief to ratepayers, including one that would prohibit utilities from using rates to pay for lobbying efforts and one that would allow California to join a regional energy market with other Western states to help increase grid reliability.

Continue Reading...

Popular

Trump keeps saying the GOP mega bill will eliminate taxes on Social Security. It does not

WASHINGTON (AP) — President keeps saying that Republicans' mega legislation will eliminate taxes on federal benefits.

Do These 4 Things to Your Bank Account Now ... - Ad

A sweeping U.S. policy could soon let the government track-or even freeze-your bank account. But there are 4 simple steps you can take right now to protect your savings before it's potentially too late.

Bernie Sanders Shares First Thing He Would Do As President — And It Could Be A Jab At Elon Musk

Bernie Sanders lost the 2016 and 2020 presidential races. In a recent interview, Sanders shared what he would do first if he were president.

After Diddy's conviction, here's where his business ventures stand

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs has been in his federal sex trafficking trial, but that doesn't mean the once-celebrated music mogul will see his business empire restored.

A 64% Dividend From Gold? - Ad

Gold is soaring. But here's what no one's talking about: a way to earn a 64% dividend-paid in real cash every 30 days. No trading. No risky mining stocks. Just one simple move in your brokerage account... and you could start collecting monthly income almost instantly.

FDA requires updated warning about rare heart risk with COVID shots

WASHINGTON (AP) — said Wednesday it has expanded existing warnings on the two leading COVID-19 vaccines about a rare heart side effect mainly seen in young men.

Mark Cuban Raises Employee Wages After Learning Of Government Aid Dependence

Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, expressed his dismay upon learning that some of his employees were reliant on government aid programs.

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

Jeff Brown - the legend who called Tesla and Nvidia early - says Elon is about to launch a $25T AI revolution. This isn't another chatbot. It's real-world AI that could 14X the impact of ChatGPT. But after July 23rd, it may be too late.

Drone debris found in Ukraine indicates Russia is using new technology from Iran

Last week, Ukrainian drone hunters picking up the debris from Russia’s nightly assault on their cities found a weapon that stood out from the rest.

Asian shares mostly higher after US stocks hit another record as Tesla and Nike rally

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Asian shares mostly gained on Thursday after U.S. stocks hit another all-time high.

Stunning Trump Policy Unlocks Upfront Cash Payouts - Ad

The U.S. has collected $15B from Trump's tariffs - and now, thanks to Title 15, you could claim your own $100-$1,000 instant upfront cash payouts. No stocks needed. Use your phone and this income technique to collect upfront payouts now.

Goldman Just Launched Two New Bond ETFs; Here's Why Investors Should Pay Attention

Goldman Sachs Asset Management debuts two new actively managed fixed income ETFs in response to rising demand for active strategies in a volatile rate landscape.

Steve Jobs Took Secrecy To Fight Club Levels For This Critical Mission At Apple — 'People Thought They Knew…But Nobody Knew'

Apple's original iPhone team, under Steve Jobs, operated with intense secrecy, likening their work to "Fight Club," with no one outside the core group knowing the device's design until its 2007 debut.

Back This Medical AI Tech - Ad

You don't often find healthcare tech company valued at $4M. HeartSciences is an exception. With $75M invested, including R&D, clinical trials, and product development, their patented AI software is approaching FDA submission, a potential major inflection point.

In a blow to Milei, a US judge orders Argentina to turn over its majority stake in state oil company

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — The fate of Argentina’s state-run oil company was thrown into doubt Monday as a U.S. judge ordered the cash-strapped country to give up its 51% controlling stake in YPF in partial compensation for seizing the shares of former investors during its 2012 nationalization of the energy group.

FDA Submission Expected This Summer - Invest Before It Happens - Ad

This company is making heart disease easier to detect with AI. Their tech has officially been designated a "Breakthrough" by the FDA. You now have an opportunity to get in at a potential inflection point.

Nike soars on a production shift away from China, but it warns of a $1 billion tariff hit

Nike's shares jumped at the opening bell Friday after the company said it's shifting some production away from China. But it also warned that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration will cost it about $1 billion before it makes internal changes, which include “surgical” price increases in the U.S. starting this fall.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

While headlines scream "Tesla is doomed"...Jeff Brown has uncovered a revolutionary AI breakthrough buried inside Tesla's labs. One that is helping AI escape from our computer screens and manifest itself here in the real world all while creating a 25,000% growth market explosion starting as early as July 23rd.

No.1 Opportunity for 2025 [Take Action Now!] - Ad

Starlink's potential IPO Could Be the Biggest in History--Silicon Valley insider James Altucher has uncovered a way to profit BEFORE the IPO--with as little as $50. Musk's $180B giant is set to launch--will you miss out? Claim your spot before it's too late.

DOGE-Fame 'Big Balls' Is Reportedly Leaving The Government Department Once Headed By Elon Musk — Dogecoin Price Rises

Another key figure at the Department of Government Efficiency, nicknamed “Big Balls”, has reportedly stepped down, following the exit of Elon Musk from the federal initiative meant to reduce wasteful spending.

North Koreans swim and play at a beach resort touted as a boost for tourism

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Koreans swam, rode water park slides and enjoyed other water activities at a newly opened state media reported Wednesday, as the country largely maintains a ban on the entry of foreign tourists.

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you - Ad

Inside Elon Musk's Memphis site lies a supercomputer built to power the world's first superhuman AI. It could make Elon a trillionaire - and new millionaires, too. With just $500, you could get in before the July 1st funding window closes.

Tariff-Driven Cash Payouts, Right Off Your Smart Phone? - Ad

The U.S. Treasury has raked in $15B from Trump's tariffs - and now, thanks to Title 15, you could pocket $100-$1,000 upfront payouts yourself. No stocks needed. Just use your phone and my #1 income strategy to start collecting now.

Russian Spy Chief And CIA Director Ratcliffe Agree To 'Call Any Time' Amid Tensions: Report

Russian spy chief Sergei Naryshkin and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), John Ratcliffe, have reportedly agreed to have direct communication at any time.

'Tesla Has The Robot And The Customer': Dave Mazza's HUMN ETF Makes A Calculated Bet On Optimus

Investors are seeking exposure to the $5 trillion humanoid robotics market and Roundhill's HUMN ETF offers active management for agility and alpha generation.

Do These 4 Things to Your Bank Account Now ... - Ad

A sweeping U.S. policy could soon let the government track-or even freeze-your bank account. But there are 4 simple steps you can take right now to protect your savings before it's potentially too late.

A 64% Dividend From Gold? - Ad

Gold is soaring. But here's what no one's talking about: a way to earn a 64% dividend-paid in real cash every 30 days. No trading. No risky mining stocks. Just one simple move in your brokerage account... and you could start collecting monthly income almost instantly.

Iran's Top Diplomat To UN Says Uranium Enrichment To Continue: An 'Inalienable Right'

Iran reaffirms commitment to nuclear program despite US strikes. Ambassador cites Non-Proliferation Treaty as justification. Impact remains debated.

Amazon's AI-Powered 4-Day Prime Day Will Drive Billions In Sales

Bank of America analyst maintains Buy rating on Amazon with $248 price forecast, noting 11th Prime Day event to have extended 4-day window with AI savings tools and estimated $21.4B in GMV.

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

Jeff Brown - the legend who called Tesla and Nvidia early - says Elon is about to launch a $25T AI revolution. This isn't another chatbot. It's real-world AI that could 14X the impact of ChatGPT. But after July 23rd, it may be too late.

This Isn't Your Father's BlackBerry, And Its Comeback Is Gaining Traction

BlackBerry (NYSE: BB) shares rise on better-than-expected Q1 results and raised fiscal guidance. Analysts increase price forecasts.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright markethundred.com
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service