# Green Madness Costs Californians

> California's renewable mandates raise electricity rates despite being top producer.
- Title: Green Madness Costs Californians · California Post | Shortify
- Summary: California's renewable mandates raise electricity rates despite being top producer. California's renewable mandates and subsidies increase electricity costs…
- Keywords: california, renewable portfolio standard, electricity rates, renewables, renewable mandates, solar panels, wind power, natural gas, battery storage, california independent system operator, news, entertainment
- Source: California Post — https://nypost.com/2026/10/11/opinion/charting-how-green-madness-means-californians-pay-more
- Published: 2026-10-12T00:07:01+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: california, renewable portfolio standard, electricity rates, renewables, renewable mandates, solar panels, wind power, natural gas, battery storage, california independent system operator, news, entertainment
## California's high electricity rates
California has some of the highest retail electricity rates in the country, second only to Hawaii.
## Renewable policy causes high costs
California's high energy prices result from a policy pushing renewables ahead of fossil fuels.
## Renewable targets expanded
California's Renewable Portfolio Standard expanded from 20% by 2017 to 100% by 2045.
## Subsidies drive costs up
Government subsidies make solar and wind appear cheaper than natural gas.
## Natural gas usage drops
Natural gas provided 31% of California's electricity in 2025 despite renewable mandates.
## Battery storage challenges
21,860 MW of battery storage deployed but insufficient for seasonal energy needs.
## Costs persist despite fixes
California's climate credit program fails to address high rates and policy causes.
## Key takeaway

California's renewable mandates and subsidies increase electricity costs for consumers.