Low water drought conditions at Lake Oroville, California|Ray_explores|CC BY 2.0
As the summer months approach, you may have to shell out more money for electricity, 8% more in electricity generation from natural gas per the US Energy Information Administration.
Why?
The continued drought in California could reduce the hydroelectric power generation to half—to 8% compared to 15% under normal precipitation conditions.
The wholesale electricity price could also see a hike of 5% throughout the West.
Statewide mandate
According to the Governor’s office, Gavin Newsom warned of the possibility of statewide mandates in a meeting with representatives from major water agencies, including those that supply Los Angeles, San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area.
He would order strict cutbacks in water usage if residents and businesses don’t reduce their water consumption.
