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Keaton Peters

@keatonpeters.bsky.social

972 followers 268 following 109 posts

Energy Reporter for Straight Arrow News. Previous bylines in Canary Media, The Texas Tribune, Inside Climate News, Government Market News, Austin American-Statesman and others. keatonpeters.com

Posts Replies Media

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

An executive order from President Donald Trump will allow an off-road blend of diesel to be used on American highways, tax-free. That doesn’t mean dyed diesel is street-legal in all 50 states. #energysky buff.ly/wsHK92r

Farm diesel goes street legal. But can Trump’s waiver solve soaring costs?

An executive order from President Donald Trump will allow an off-road blend of diesel to be used on American highways, tax-free.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Why did the Ratepayer Protection Act die in the Senate? The bill would have required states to consider new rules on how electric costs are allocated between data centers and other customers. GOP called it "common sense." Dems said its "feeble." #energysky For @san.com buff.ly/XDhCD9h

Why the Senate rejected a bill aimed at fairly assigning data center power costs

The Ratepayer Protection Act was voted down 57-43, just a few votes shy of reaching the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome the filibuster.

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Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Heating oil costs up 70% compared to this time last year. That's a problem in the Northeast, where millions rely on heating oil to stay warm, and colder weather is about to blow in. It's yet another part of the economic fallout of the war in Iran. For @san.com #energysky buff.ly/CaqtyOC

‘I won’t be able to get a whole tank.’ As Iran war goes on, heating oil prices spike

The effects of the war in Iran threaten to leave some Americans in the literal cold this year because of the high cost of heating oil.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

In August, Abbott ordered the state’s utility regulatory agency and power grid operator to pause projects at the final step: Grid interconnection. But every other part of the construction process was allowed to move forward unencumbered. Now, that's changing. #energysky buff.ly/C9z4cON

The future of Texas’ data center rush just got a lot more complicated

Texas Gov. Abbott directed the state's environmental agency to stop approving permits for data centers until an audit is finished.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

A court struck down Trump's emergency order to keep a Michigan coal plant in operation. The decision may determine how much power the feds have over the state's electric grid planning and whether coal power continues its decline. #energysky For @san.com

Why a court order could hasten coal plant retirements

A court ruled there was no emergency to justify a Trump order for a coal plant in Michigan to keep operating past its planned retirement.

Reposted by Keaton Peters

Derek Mead @dmead.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

The White House announced a pledge with Big Tech to not increase home electricity costs in the wake of data centers. @keatonpeters.bsky.social did the legwork to show just how hard that is to put into practice, given regulatory power is at the state and local level: san.com/cc/inside-th...

Inside the effort to make data centers pay their share of electricity costs

A Straight Arrow investigation finds gray areas around the question of who pays for new power infrastructure when a data center comes to town.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Data centers do affect electricity prices. Earlier this year, 50+ utilities signed the White House' ratepayer protection pledge, but implementation is an open question for states. Reporting for @san.com, I unpack the numbers on electric bill increases. #energysky buff.ly/0gSUGoi

Inside the effort to make data centers pay their share of electricity costs

A Straight Arrow investigation finds gray areas around the question of who pays for new power infrastructure when a data center comes to town.

Reposted by Keaton Peters

Alejandro Serrano @serranoalej.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

New: The wrongful deportation of an Austin man, let back into the U.S. on Sunday, highlights what many have warned about for years: When local police join forces with the feds, it can lead to U.S. citizens being hassled, detained and even deported. 🧵 www.texastribune.org/2026/09/02/t...

texastribune.org

Texas man’s deportation raises questions about ICE partnerships

The federal government let U.S. citizen Brian José Morales García return to Texas on Sunday after deporting him to Mexico following a traffic stop in Central Texas.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

In six months, the global market for crude oil has proved resilient to major disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. But underneath the daily price fluctuations, another problem continually ratcheted up: damaged refineries that turn crude oil into gasoline. #energysky straightarrowne.ws/3UjPFUA

Six months into war with Iran, refinery bottlenecks keep gas prices high

While the market for crude oil has proved resilient to major disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, fuel costs face increasing upward pressure.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

I've been writing about data centers since 2024, but the level of interest in the topic has skyrocketed in the past 3-5 months. How did data centers become a cultural villain? At @san.com we unravel how anti data center sentiment caught fire online and IRL buff.ly/bdGcEFm

How data centers became America's favorite new villain — online and IRL

Big tech is recruiting influencers to pitch data centers to locals. But the grassroots pushback is proving just as viral.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Should data centers profit from a power shortage? A new proposal from America's largest power grid opens the door to paying tech to shut their facilities off when the grid needs power elsewhere. If FERC approves, it will be up to the states to decide details. #energysky straightarrowne.ws/4glhx1K

Largest US grid floats paying data centers to shut off during power scarcity

Grid operator PJM wants federal approval to stop power from flowing to data centers when system-wide electricity demand exceeds supply.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Meta will not have to disclose energy use and job creation numbers for its $50 billion data center in Louisiana. Regulators voted 3-1 to overturn a judge's subpoena for #Meta to produce records to demonstrate the public benefit of 7 new gas power plants. #energysky straightarrowne.ws/3TJlIwZ

Regulators shield Meta job numbers in Louisiana as power plant debate grows

Louisiana’s utility regulator declined to force Meta to release records in the review of Entergy proposal to build new gas power plants.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Tech companies are in support of Gov. Abbott's data center standards, amid a pause on connecting new facilities to the ERCOT grid. Construction is going ahead, including off-grid gas generators. And the audit? It has not started yet, officials told me. #energysky #climate straightarrowne.ws/4xy8iCk

Big Tech promises data center safeguards to comply with Texas audit

Companies that build data centers are lining up to express how their projects in Texas align with Gov. Greg Abbott’s standards.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Utility companies say their contracts with data centers will yield cost savings for residential customers that could lower monthly payments. The full picture of data centers’ impact on monthly bills is more complicated. A new must read from @san.com #energysky #datacenters

Utilities are now pitching data centers as a way to cut electric costs

Utility companies say data centers will keep electric bills from rising. The full impact on monthly bills is more complicated.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Data center supporters often tout job creation, despite mixed signals on how many permanent roles they will actually create. But for some cities, the ratio of high tax revenue to more modest jobs is exactly why they want data centers. #energysky #datacenters For @san.com

The big reason small cities want data centers. Hint: It’s not permanent jobs

Small-city mayors say they want data centers despite reports showing that the projects create an underwhelming number of permanent jobs.

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Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

In Nevada, a data center company wants to force decisions around who pays for grid upgrades into a closed door arbitration. In a rare move, the state utility company NV Energy is suing to keep the process in public view. #energysky #datacenters My latest for @san.com san.com/cc/data-cent...

Data centers want a closed-door deal. Nevada’s electric utility is suing to stop it

Nevada’s largest utility company, NV Energy, is suing a data center company over potential impacts to resident’s electric bills.

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Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

At a city commission in Kansas, a teacher clapped in support of a speaker urging officials to vote down a data center proposal. Police dragged him out of the meeting and placed him under arrest for "disorderly conduct." The commission went on to OK the data center 5-0 straightarrowne.ws/4wtf2RO

High school teacher arrested at city meeting after clapping for anti-data center speech

A high school teacher in Kansas was arrested at a city commission meeting last week after clapping in support of an anti-data center speaker.

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Reposted by Keaton Peters

John Schwartz @jswatz.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

“This is about decisions being made rapidly and behind closed doors intentionally to reduce public scrutiny of these large data center projects,” said Alaina DiLaura, policy coordinator at the Alliance for Affordable Energy. @keatonpeters.bsky.social san.com/cc/meta-figh...

Meta fights order to disclose job, power figures for $50B Louisiana data center

Meta’s data center has become a potent test case for public trust in the regulatory process underlying how massive energy projects are built.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

A Judge ordered Meta to disclose how many permanent jobs its $50 billion data center in Louisiana will create. Meta is fighting to void the order. Plans for 10 new power plants are testing public trust in the regulatory process. Will consumers foot the bill? #energysky buff.ly/9KMvThu

Meta fights order to disclose job, power figures for $50B Louisiana data center

Meta’s data center has become a potent test case for public trust in the regulatory process underlying how massive energy projects are built.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

If Lake Mead's water falls below 1,035 feet — a level not seen since the reservoir was filled in the 1930s — it’s expected that 70% of the Hoover Dam’s current hydropower will be cut. That could happen next Spring, according to a new study. #energysky #climate buff.ly/w0i9T1G

What does low water at the Hoover Dam mean for power in the American West?

The water level at Lake Mead is less than 10 feet away from rendering most of the hydroelectric turbines at the Hoover Dam inoperable.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

As energy costs rise, New Jersey passed three laws aimed at lowering electric bills and ensuring data centers pay their way onto the grid. How do they work? straightarrowne.ws/3T8ZfsB

How New Jersey is trying to rein in data centers and lower electric bills

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed three laws on Tuesday aimed at lowering electric bills and ensuring data centers pay for grid upgrades.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Electricity prices are surging as Americans face a major heatwave. It’s shaping up to be the most expensive day of the year for PJM, America’s largest regional power grid. Summer bills are already projected to rise 10% this year. #energysky #climate Stay cool, everyone san.com/cc/electric-...

Electric grid strains while 150 million endure high heat ahead of July Fourth

Wholesale electricity prices on America’s most highly populated regional power grid are surging under the heat.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Building energy infrastructure is like a Rubik's cube: Finance, permits, tech and politics must slide into place. Whether it's a nuclear plant, offshore wind, transmission line or pipeline, delays and cancellations are the norm. What can change that? #energysky @san.com buff.ly/ynq6p1a

What will it take to solve the great American energy puzzle?

From transmission lines and pipelines to nuclear power plants and offshore wind turbines, the U.S. struggles to build energy infrastructure.

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Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Trump's use of executive power in his second term has already altered how federal agencies operate, how legal accountability functions and what institutional norms govern the presidency. Follow the link for Straight Arrow's deep dive on the future of Presidential power. buff.ly/0xUHpou

The rule of law is at a 'breaking point.' Will future presidents have free rein?

A core American principle is that no one is above the law. But as presidents wield more power, what does the future hold for democracy?

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

New transmission lines are coming to Texas. They can unlock the full potential of renewable energy, but demand growth from oil and gas is the primary reason they're being built. Ranchers along proposed routes say newl ines will disrupt their operations. #energysky buff.ly/CZ4pfES

These ranchers heal the land. The power company drew a line through it

Transmission line routes across private property are driving a wedge between two quintessentially Texan industries: oil and cattle.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

#energysky #climatesky #inflation @kleinmanenergy.bsky.social

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

This summer, residential electric bills are projected to rise 10.5%. Americans already spend $112 more to stay cool June-Aug. than they did in 2021. Exclusive data analysis for @san.com finds increases are hitting the South, Northeast especially hard. straightarrowne.ws/4w4bjcW

Summer electric bills could rise 10.5% this year. See where costs are up most

Comfort from sweltering weather will cost more than it did last summer, thanks to the trend of increasing electricity rates.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

The cycle of White House remarks, headlines and price swings has repeated through the #Iran war. Under the surface, market data tells a different story. On paper, the deal opens the Strait of Hormuz. That doesn't mean smooth sailing for global oil markets. #energysky straightarrowne.ws/4vjXmYx

All eyes on the Strait of Hormuz after Iran and US agree to 60-day ceasefire

With the possibility of peace at hand, oil prices fell to their lowest point since the war with Iran ramped up at the start of March.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a directive Wednesday to increase government oversight of #datacenters. Texas is among the fastest-growing data center markets in the US. The letter comes in an election year as voters are turning against tech development. #energysky buff.ly/Slj336W

Texas governor pushes new rules for data centers as voters sour on big tech

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a directive Wednesday to increase government oversight of data centers and protect consumers.

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Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Inflation rose by 4.2% in May, driven largely by rising fuel prices due to near total closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf oil producers have cut about 12 million barrels of daily production because they can't send it to markets. #energysky #inflation straightarrowne.ws/4gapwAf

How energy costs drove inflation past 4% while core prices held steady

Inflation rose by 4.2% in May, driven largely by rising fuel prices due to near total closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

“This is one of the most heavily subsidized industries in the world right now." The political backlash is making data center tax breaks — once thought of as smart economic development policy — a target for reform and repeal. For @san.com #energysky #datacenters buff.ly/0BV9luA

Inside the new battleground in the clash over data centers: Tax breaks

Ohio suspended its tax breaks for data center development, and other states are considering proposals to follow suit.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Trump admin paid $928M to cancel an offshore wind lease. Now, Blue states are suing to reverse it. The focus is a 84,000-acre New York lease TotalEnergies purchased in 2022 to build a 2.7 gigawatt wind farm — enough to power 1.3 million homes. #energysky san.com/cc/why-seven...

Why seven states are suing to save a wind deal the US spent $928M to cancel

The lawsuit argues that Interior Department violated the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act in a deal it reached with TotalEnergies.

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Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

In a closed-door vote, Austin OK'ed a local 400 MW gas peaker plant. Austin Energy said it's insurance against outages and the cost of importing power. Opponents said it's a step backwards and batteries are a more cost-effective, cleaner alternative. For @san.com #energysky san.com/cc/austins-a...

Austin’s approval of a gas peaker plant echos America’s power dilemma

An Austin power plant approval is the latest example of tension between city-owned utilities, environmental groups and local politicians.

Reposted by Keaton Peters

IEEFA North America @ieefa-northamerica.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

There's no question "that they’re going to pass [the cost] on to ratepayers...because they're being ordered by the federal government to do this," says IEEFA's Seth Feaster on the aging U.S. coal plants being forced to stay open. via @keatonpeters.bsky.social

Why running coal plants beyond planned closures is costing hundreds of millions

The cost of a Trump administration policy ordering aging coal-fired power plants to stay open has exceeded $200 million.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Brass tacks on the gas tax, and hidden hurdles to Trump’s proposed pause Congress acted swiftly with bills that would suspend the gas tax — but Republican support is not universal. The Highway fund that relies on tax revenue is already $13B short. For @san.com #energysky san.com/cc/brass-tac...

Brass tacks on the gas tax, and hidden hurdles to Trump’s proposed pause

President Donald Trump said that he wants to suspend the 18.4-cent federal gas tax to help drivers save at the pump.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Louisiana regulators are moving ahead with a “lightning” speed process to approve 7 new gas plants specifically to serve Meta’s data centers. Consumer advocates worry that the process axes - independent judicial review - Competitive bidding #energysky #datacenter #climate san.com/cc/in-race-f...

In race for AI data centers, regulators move to fast-track Louisiana gas plants

Louisiana is becoming a testing ground for how fast America can build new power plants, and whether speed sacrifices consumer protection.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

In the hours following Iran's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is open, I identified dozens of oil tankers that had idled for weeks heading toward the exit. But the insurance risk premium in the gulf isn't going away yet. For @san.com #energysky #Iran san.com/cc/oil-tanke...

Oil tankers are ready to cross the Strait of Hormuz. Can they afford the risk?

Iran says the strait is open, yet insurers and crews are still weighing the risk before traffic fully returns, delaying oil flow rebounds.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Instead of offshore wind, TotalEnergies will spend $928M on oil/gas and an LNG export terminal. Doug Burgum said it will lower monthly #energy bills. The details tell another story. US gov data suggests LNG exports raise domestic fuel costs. #energysky #climate @san.com san.com/cc/a-1b-offs...

A $1B offshore wind buyout promises to lower monthly bills. It’s not that simple

The U.S. is paying a French energy giant nearly $1 billion to give up offshore wind leases and instead invest in exporting LNG.

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Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

An explosion occurred at the Valero refinery in Port Arthur, #Texas, on Monday. It came amid a public comment period as the EPA weighs rolling back updates to chemical accident prevention rules finalized in the Biden admin. My latest for @san.com #energysky #climate san.com/cc/a-texas-r...

A Texas refinery explosion reignites debate over EPA’s chemical safety rules

A Texas refinery fire comes as the EPA considers eliminating recent changes to safety practices at refineries and chemical plants.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

The Trump admin. faces backlash from Europe and GOP over lifting sanctions on Russian oil. Markets “shrugged off” the move: #oil prices continue to climb. For @san.com, I spoke with @cwolfram.bsky.social on the original US strategy and what a reversal means. #energysky san.com/cc/the-plan-...

The plan behind Russian oil sanctions and why a reversal faces backlash

The U.S. Treasury temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil in an effort to dampen the impact of high oil prices amid the war in Iran.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Tuesday’s average of $3.54 per gallon, according to AAA, is up over 70 cents from $2.81 in Jan. 2026 In less than two months, the cost of a gallon of regular gas increased by more than it did in the past 30 years, when adjusted to today’s dollar. #energysky #oil #inflation san.com/cc/how-today...

How today’s gas prices compare to a 30-year history of inflation

The Iran war is not the first conflict to raise prices, and adjusted for inflation, gas costs less now than throughout the 2000s and 2010s.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Trump is expected to unveil a deal with Big Tech companies to pay for increased electric costs associated with data centers. This reflects how much of a political issue data centers have become. #stateoftheunion #electricgrid #energysky san.com/cc/state-of-...

State of the Union preview: Why the president is focusing on your electric bill

At the State of the Union, Trump is expected to unveil deals with Big Tech intended to stop Americans from paying higher electric rates.

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Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

It's official: The endangerment finding is dead. “Unelected bureaucrats twisted the clean air act into something it was never meant to be," Zeldin said. Groups have sued, saying this goes against scientific consensus. Link will be updated with more detail. #climatesky san.com/cc/white-hou...

White House rescinds authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions

The Trump administration revoked the endangerment finding, a 2009 EPA rule that classified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health.

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Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

$32 million for Austin, Texas solar was among around $40 billion in energy and environmental grants cut by the #Trump administration. But Austin isn’t giving up on its clean energy goals. I found out what the city’s doing now for rooftop #solar #energysky #climatesky san.com/cc/facing-32...

Facing $32 million in federal cuts, Austin looks to self-fund rooftop solar

At a time when federal support for renewables is on a downward spiral, Austin has managed to invest in rooftop solar.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

A deep dive on Puerto Rico’s power grid and reactions from energy experts who are also part of the Puerto Rican diaspora. For @san.com The average Puerto Rican spends two days without electricity despite paying three times more than the mainland. #energysky #climatesky san.com/cc/why-did-b...

Why did Bad Bunny climb a utility pole? A deep dive into Puerto Rico’s power grid

When Bad Bunny climbed a utility pole during the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show, he reminded us that Puerto Rico’s power grid isn’t fixed.

Reposted by Keaton Peters

John Quigley @johnhquigley.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

I spoke with @keatonpeters.bsky.social of @san.com about the impact of the current regime's cancelling Federal funding for clean energy. @kleinmanenergy.bsky.social san.com/cc/facing-32...

Facing $32 million in federal cuts, Austin looks to self-fund rooftop solar

At a time when federal support for renewables is on a downward spiral, Austin has managed to invest in rooftop solar.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

The DOE has proposed to exempt advanced #nuclear reactors from the review process required by the National Environmental Policy Act. This could speed up zero-emissions power plants, but at the cost of full environmental review and public input. #energysky #smr #greensky san.com/cc/to-build-...

To build nuclear faster, energy dept. pitches bypassing environmental laws

The U.S. Department of Energy wants to exempt advanced nuclear power facilities from one of the nation’s key environmental laws.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

The #Texas grid faces its biggest test since deadly 2021 blackouts. What has changed since then, and what are experts still worried about? Answers via reporting in @san.com For starters, there's 17 GW of batteries and solar has doubled since 2023 #energysky #greensky san.com/cc/the-texas...

The Texas grid froze 5 years ago. Is it ready for this weekend's winter storm?

This weekend is expected to blanket Texas in weather reminiscent of the 2021 winter storm that led to a near collapse of the power grid.

Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

The White House and 13 Governors said they have a plan for America's largest regional power grid PJM. But "the devil's in the details," when it comes to making Big Tech pay. Could gas skip ahead of renewable power that’s waited years to connect to the grid? #energysky san.com/cc/lawmakers...

Lawmakers want Big Tech to fund power plants on nation’s largest grid. But how?

Data centers are flocking to America’s largest electric grid, and White House, along with politicians on both sides, is looking for a fix.

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Keaton Peters @keatonpeters.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

PG&E’s rate cut is not all it appears to be for most #California residents. The 5% cut only applies for about a third of the #utility customers. And the big driver of rate increases — spending on the distribution grid — continues to go up. #energysky #affordability san.com/cc/californi...

California’s PG&E cuts 2026 electric rates 5%. Not all customers will benefit

California’s largest utility company, Pacific Gas and Electric, said a subset of its customers will pay lower rates in 2026 than in 2025.