California’s wildfire fund is reportedly nearing depletion following the Eaton fire, which caused upwards of $45 billion in damage, per previous estimates. To support recovery efforts, the state has proposed adding $18 billion, with costs split between utility customers and shareholders of major power companies. The move has drawn scrutiny for its financial pressure on ratepayers, with critics questioning the long-term sustainability of wildfire response funding.
Utility Reform Network Executive Director Mark Toney said, “We’re very disappointed to be at a point where there is even talk of more ratepayer money going to the wildfire fund.”
Toney added, “We can’t go back every three or four years and put more money in.”…