Follow our energy experts in the media.
California’s Solar Surplus Has Led to Curtailment, Cost-Related Issues
December 4, 2024
LAist
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director recounts trends in the solar energy market and provides his insight on the topic on an LAist podcast.
US Electric Vehicle Demand Seen Plunging 27% Without Tax Credit
November 19, 2024
Bloomberg and More
Bloomberg references Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, Joseph Shapiro‘s research on the effects that Trump’s initiatives towards EV vehicle credits would have on future trends in the EV market.
Green Subsidies
November 19, 2024
Axios
Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate James Sallee’s blog post is referenced as quote of the day in Axios on the future of the Inflation Reduction Act and climate policy.
California Regulators Are Pressed to Come Clean on Gasoline Prices
November 5, 2024
LA Times and More
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, states his views on the debate surrounding an increase in fossil fuel prices and whether or not the cost increase would have a substantial impact on climate change.
Phillips 66 Refinery Closures
October 18, 2024
KQED
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, elaborates on KQED on his thoughts on the Phillips 66 Refinery Complex closure and the effects that this will have on already high gas prices in California, as well as the complications that could arise from this.
New Law Aims to Prevent Gas Price Spikes by Requiring Minimum Amount of Gas
October 14, 2024
NBC Los Angeles
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, shares his perspective on the effectiveness of a new CA law in decreasing gas price spikes through requiring a minimum amount of gas to be kept in storage.
Electric Car Subsidies Are a Plus, but Could Be Improved, Study Finds
October 7, 2024
The New York Times
The New York Times shares new study by Joseph Shapiro, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate and co-authors, assessing the $7,500 tax credit for U.S.-made electric vehicles in the Inflation Reduction Act.
The EV Culture Wars Aren’t What They Seem
October 3, 2024
The Atlantic
Lucas Davis, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, has his research on EV political partisanship featured in The Atlantic. His research indicates a strong divide in EV registration between Republican and Democratic parties.
California Lawmakers Pass Legislation to Prevent Gas Price Spikes
October 1, 2024
KQED
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, shares on KQED that California’s elevated state taxes and strict environmental regulations have contributed to higher gas prices since 2015, a phenomenon he refers to as the “Mystery Gasoline Surcharge”.
California Lawmakers Punt on Chances to Deal with Utility Bill Crisis
September 5, 2024
Canary Media
Energy Institute Faculty Director Meredith Fowlie‘s research is featured in Canary Media. Meredith delves into her perspective on the implications of under-grounding power lines to mitigate wildfire risk.
California's Crushing Power Bills Challenge Its Climate Goals
September 3, 2024
Bloomberg
Meredith Fowlie, Energy Institute Faculty Director, has her research featured in Bloomberg. She analyzes the costs and benefits of PG&E’s project to bury 10,000 miles of powerlines in Northern California.
Severin Borenstein Provides Information About Gavin Newsom’s Plan of Addressing High Gas Prices
September 1, 2024
Audacy and More
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, provides insight into Gavin Newsom’s legislative sessions geared towards targeting high gas prices and pushing energy bills on Audacy.
Wealthy Homeowners Nab Billions in Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
August 16, 2024
E&E News and More
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, and Lucas Davis, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate in E&E News. Davis shares thoughts on energy tax credits primarily benefiting wealthy homeowners, who are more likely to invest in energy-efficient upgrades, making these credits less equitable and less effective than broader measures like a carbon tax.
Where (and How) Americans Are Taking Advantage of Clean Energy Tax Credits
August 8, 2024
The New York Times
James Salle, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, offers insights in The New York Times on the ways in which the climate-friendly tax credits introduced by the Inflation Reduction Act disproportionately benefit wealthier individuals.
Why Californians Have Some of the Highest Power Bills in the U.S.
August 5, 2024
The Wall Street Journal
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, explains the problems with California’s renewable energy production and its electrical infrastructure.
Rising US Power Prices Reflect New Reality for Utilities in Warming World
July 29, 2024
SP Global
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, examines rising US power prices and explains why US power retails costs have been inconsistent over the years.
Researchers Reveal a Hidden Factor in California’s Insurance Crisis: The ‘Winner’s Curse’
July 18, 2024
Berkeley News and More
Meredith Fowlie, Energy Institute Faculty Director, discusses insurance regulations in Berkeley News and how different strategies can significantly impact premiums.
Electricity Prices Get Political in Trump’s World
July 17, 2024
E&E News
Republicans are using the cost of power — usually an arcane issue — in a populist attack on Biden’s economic and climate policies. Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, explains the problems with this approach.
Clean Energy Tax Credits Largely Go to High-Income Tax Filers, New Report Shows
July 15, 2024
Washington Examiner
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, and Lucas Davis, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, discuss clean energy tax credits and major pitfalls derived from the policy in the Washington Examiner.
California's Gas Tax Just Went Up. So Has The Bickering.
July 5, 2024
San Diego Union Tribune
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, examines California’s gas tax and the disputes surrounding it in The San Diego Union Tribune.
Thousands of PG&E Customers Without Power Across Bay Area Due to Weather
July 2, 2024
ABC News
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, explains the power outage across Bay Area and shares his outlook.
Where San Francisco Gas Prices Stand Two Years After Historic High
June 13, 2024
San Francisco Examiner
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, examines the demand for gas in San Francisco and its connection to electric vehicles.
How California Broke Its Electricity Bills
June 5, 2024
Shift Key Podcast
Rob and Jesse from Shift Key Podcast talk with Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, about rooftop solar bills and whether the government should take over electric utilities.
Bay Area Forecast: How Long Will the Heat Last?
June 5, 2024
East Bay Times
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, joins East Bay Times to address the effects of the increased temperature in the Bay Area.
How Biden’s China Tariffs Could Hurt California
May 31, 2024
Politico
James Sallee, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, speaks with Politco about his thoughts on the current relationship between California and the Chinese automobile industry.
Three Questions for Mr. Mystery Surcharge
May 24, 2024
Politico
Politco interviews Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, on the causes and implications of the investigations into California’s high gas prices relative to other parts of the US.
Here’s Why So Many Republicans Won’t Buy EVs
May 7, 2024
The Washington Post
The Washington Post highlights study by Faculty Affiliate, Lucas Davis, on the expansion of electric vehicle options and sales, although its distribution to the Democratic population remains consistent.
Giant Batteries Are Transforming the Way the U.S. Uses Electricity
May 7, 2024
The New York Times and More
Faculty Director, Meredith Fowlie, shares her perspective in the New York Times on the nation’s efforts to diversify battery storage, but cautions to be mindful about not incurring hefty costs during the process.
Letters: PG&E’s Proposed Fixed Fee is Designed to Benefit Customers. Here’s How
April 30, 2024
SF Chronicle
Faculty Director Severin Borenstein contributes his point of view on a fixed PG&E charge to offset lower per-kWh prices.
Trump, Biden Spar Over US Energy Independence
April 29, 2024
E&E News
Executive Director Andrew Campbell elaborates on the varied definitions of “Energy Independence” and the implications of this term.
A Plan to Change Your Utility Rates is Dividing California Environmentalists. Here’s Why...
April 19, 2024
Canary Media and More
Faculty Director, Severin Borenstein, is quoted in Canary Media regarding his 2021 research conducted with Meredith Fowlie and James Sallee on the issues with California’s electricity prices and a proposed solution to address them.
California Derailed Its Booming Rooftop Solar Buildout. Can It Be Fixed?
April 15, 2024
Canary Media
Faculty Director Severin Borenstein’s recent blog post regarding the growth of the rooftop solar market was mentioned in Canary Media.
Severin Borenstein's Research in The Wall Street Journal
April 14, 2024
The Wall Street Journal
Faculty Director Severin Borenstein’s study was mentioned in The Wall Street Journal about the residential solar market’s recent decline.
The U.S. Urgently Needs a Bigger Grid. Here’s a Fast Solution
April 9, 2024
The New York Times
Faculty Affiliate Duncan Callaway’s study is mentioned in The New York Times, and examines the process of uprading power lines with advanced conductors technology to improve grid capacity.
Utility-Caused Wildfires Are Becoming a National Problem
March 25, 2024
The New York Times
Faculty Affiliate Duncan Callaway shares his recent research findings in The New York Times, regarding the utilization of existing sensors and enhanced software systems in numerous utilities to increase wildfire prevention.
How Much are Wind Turbines Dragging Down Home Values? A New Study Has Surprising Answers
March 18, 2024
CNN
Faculty Affiliate Maximilian Auffhammer interprets the results of his study regarding the negative impact on the property value of houses near wind turbines in this CNN article.
Storing Renewable Energy, One Balloon at a Time
March 18, 2024
The New York Times and More
Faculty Affiliate James Bushnell is quoted in the New York Times discussing the drawbacks of storing energy for extended periods of time.
Cap-and-trade is Bread and Butter Now
March 12, 2024
Politco
Energy Institute Faculty Director, Meredith Fowlie, shares her thoughts on the rising electricity costs and the impact of climate inaction in the Politico article.
'It's Crazy': How Soaring PG&E Rates are impacting California's Electric Car Owners
March 11, 2024
San Francisco Chronicle
Energy Institute Faculty Director, Severin Borenstein, comments in the San Francisco Chronicle on the impact of rising electricity prices on the cost of maintaining, repairing, and fueling electric cars.
States Eye Rescue of Retiring Coal Plants
March 7, 2024
E&E News
Energy Institute Faculty Director, Severin Borenstein, asserts his opinion in E&E News on a series of Utah bills meant to make it more difficult to retire power plants.
Legislative Democrats Are Running From Their Own Tax-the-Rich Electricity Idea. Why?
March 1, 2024
The Sacramento Bee
Energy Institute Faculty Director, Severin Borenstein, provides his insight into the reasons as to why legislature is turning away from having PG&E electricity bills to be set according to household income.
Leave the Trees, Trip the Lines
February 22, 2024
Politico
Research quoted in Politico conducted by Energy Institute Faculty Director Meredith Fowlie, Faculty Affiliate Duncan Callaway, and Graduate Student Researcher, Cody Warner provides insight on PGE’s approach to minimizing wildfire risk through burying power lines.
Bill Would End California Experiment With Income-Based Electric Bills
February 7, 2024
Canary Media
Energy Institute Faculty Director Severin Borenstein’s stance on income-based fixed electric charges was referenced in Canary Media.
California’s New Oil Czar Wants to End Mysterious Gas Price Spikes. Here’s His Plan So Far
February 2, 2024
The Sacramento Bee
Faculty Director Severin Borenstein from the Energy Institute provides key insights to the Sacramento Bee into the benefits of a delay in the California Energy Commission’s (CEC) timeline in implementing a price gouging penalty.
How to Overcome the Biggest Obstacle to Electric Vehicles
February 1, 2024
The Economist
Faculty Affiliate Lucas Davis from the Energy Institute joins the discussion about the intersection of politics and the EV market and the influence of polarization in The Economist article.
New Master’s Degree at UC Berkeley Focuses On Interdisciplinary Climate Solutions
January 20, 2024
SF Gate
Faculty Affiliate James Sallee from the Energy Institute shares plans for UC Berkeley’s College of Natural Resources’ upcoming Master of Climate Solutions degree in SF Gate. The program, commencing this fall, will be led by faculty from the Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, and the Energy and Resources Group. Additionally, a new concurrent degree option is being introduced at The Haas School of Business, incorporating climate change courses.
To Put More Renewable Power to Use, Utilities are Doubling Down on Battery Storage
January 16, 2024
Marketplace
Faculty Director, Severin Borenstein comments on Marketplace regarding the process of using batteries to storage renewable energy due to an increase in demand for renewable power.
Fremont Solar Equipment Company to Layoff 350 Workers as Industry Slows
January 3, 2024
CBS Bay Area News
Energy Institute Faculty Director Severin Borenstein discusses the need for solar companies on CBS after recent layoffs at solar equipment company.
Historic PG&E Rate Increases Will Hit Hard in 2024 - Meredith Fowlie on KQED, CapRadio, and More
January 4, 2024
KQED
Energy Institute Faculty Director Meredith Fowlie discusses cost containment on KQED, following PG&E’s recent rate increase to fund wildfire mitigation projects in high-risk areas.
California Pushes Electric Trucks as the Future of Freight - James Sallee in The New York Times
December 28, 2023
The New York Times
Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate James Sallee provides insight on electric trucks and California’s ambitious green revolution in The New York Times.
Calif. Takes Aim at Gas Price Gougers. Here’s Why it’s Hard. - Severin Borenstein in E&E News
December 19, 2023
E&E News
Energy Institute Faculty Director, Severin Borenstein, comments on the effectiveness and implications of gas price gouging penalties in E&E News.
Gas Stations and Prices - Lucas Davis and Severin Borenstein in Politico
December 11, 2023
Politico
Energy Institute Faculty Director, Severin Borenstein, and Faculty Affiliate Lucas Davis are referenced in Politico regarding their research on gas prices in various locations.
Potential PG&E Rate Hikes
November 13, 2023
CapRadio
Energy Institute Faculty Director Meredith Fowlie comments on recent and projected PG&E price increases on CapRadio.
Three Questions for Gavin Newsom’s Climate Guru
November 6, 2023
Politico and More
Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate Lucas Davis and his recent working paper were referenced in this Politico article about electric vehicles and climate policy.
Growing U.S. Anger with Electric Utilities Finds its Epicenter in Maine
November 4, 2023
The Washington Post
Maine voters want to dissolve investor-owned utilities and replace them with a nonprofit, and Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, spoke to The Washington Post about his thoughts on the matter.
In Effort to Calm High Prices, WA to Pursue Linking Carbon-Pricing Market with CA, Quebec
November 2, 2023
The Seattle Times
Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate James Bushnell provides insight to The Seattle Times regarding the potential carbon pricing market merge between Washington, California, and Quebec.
Report: US Needs Much More Than the IRA to Get to Net Zero by 2050
October 19, 2023
ARS Technica
ARS Technica covers a new study from a National Academies committee, including Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate Reed Walker, recommends policies to address gaps in US climate policy and achieve a fair, equitable, and just 30-year transition to net-zero emissions.
EVs, Like Everything Else, Are Political
October 25, 2023
AXIOS
Lucas Davis, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, has his working paper on the correlation between new car registrations and voting records in presidential races quoted in AXIOS.
California Gas Prices are Headed Down Despite Israel-Hamas War, Experts Say. Here's Why
October 24, 2023
The Sacramento Bee
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, provides insight into the effects of the Israel-Hamas War on California gasoline prices.
Letters: Claim That Utility Bills Will ‘Skyrocket’ is Overblown.
October 23, 2023
The San Francisco Chronicle
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, describes an analysis of utility bills and how the majority of low to moderate income households will see lower bills.
State’s New Oil Watchdog Questions Price Spike As Gas Crosses Over $6 in San Diego
September 25, 2023
The San Diego Union Tribune and More
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, shares his perspective with The San Diego Union Tribune regarding the recent surge in gas prices in San Diego.
Laurel Peltier Took On Multi-Million Dollar Private Energy Companies Scamming Baltimore’s Low-Income Households, One Victim at a Time
September 11, 2023
Inside Climate News
Inside Climate News references important research by Jenya Kahn-Lang, former Energy Institute Graduate Student Affiliate, regarding price discrimination in residential electricity markets.
The Challenges Facing the Nation's Electricity Power Sector
September 8, 2023
Environmental Insights – A Podcast by Robert Stavins
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, discusses electricity markets and the related challenges that the US is facing.
Where Dangerous Heat is Surging
September 5, 2023
The Washington Post
Lucas Davis, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, provides insight into the reality for underserved communities regarding recent heat surges.
Hawaii Utility Faces Collapse as Others Delay on Extreme Weather Risks
August 25, 2023
The Washington Post
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director comments on the economics of the issues in Hawaii’s utility system.
WA’s Carbon-Pricing Program Nears $1 Billion in Revenue, Far Outpacing Early Estimates
August 16, 2023
The Seattle Times
James Bushnell, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate examines on the Seattle Times WA’s current efforts to cap carbon emissions.
Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough: Bay Area Lab Takes Big Step in Creating Clean Energy
August 7, 2023
NBC Bay Area
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director analyzes on NBC Bay Area the impact of new fusion power plant to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.
The Case For Paying to Scrap Polluting Stuff
August 4, 2023
Axios
Jim Sallee, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate compares policy options to decarbonize the economy and decrease emissions.
It’s Official: Stores Can No Longer Sell Most Incandescent Lights
August 1, 2023
The New York Times
Lucas Davis, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate examines the impacts of the transition from incandescent to LED lights.
Are Major Changes Coming to Your Electric Bill? 5 Things to Know
July 20, 2023
Cal Matters
James Sallee, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate considers the impact of reforming the electric bill structure to be proportionate to income.
California Secures $67 Million to Bolster Clean Energy Projects For Electric Grid
July 10, 2023
NBC Bay Area
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director sits down with NBC Bay Area to express the value in increasing the production of electricity through greater power grid capacity.
Studying the Real Impacts of Climate Change Policies
July 6, 2023
An Economic View of the Environment – A Blog by Robert Stavins
Meredith Fowlie, Energy Institute Faculty Director talks about her work on environmental regulation and environmental justice, as well as her thoughts on today’s climate activism on Robert Stavins’s latest podcast episode.
Stringent Policy Changes Caused US Manufacturing to Reduce Air Pollution — This Was Achieved Even as Output Was Rising
June 23, 2023
The Economic Times – India
Reed Walker, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate analyzes in The Economic Times – India, the correlation between declining air pollution and increasing production output levels.
The Current Electricity Rate System is Broken. Rate Reforms Will Make it More Equitable. (Opinion)
June 21, 2023
The San Diego Union Tribune
Meredith Fowlie, Energy Institute Faculty Director sits down with the San Diego Union Tribune to comment on rising electricity costs and the development of an “income-graduated” electricity bill system.
The Surprising Truth About Which Homes Have Heat Pumps
June 14, 2023
MIT Technology Review
Lucas Davis, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate examines in the MIT Technology Review, how the usage of electric heat pumps is correlated with household income.
New California Law May Save Low-Income Families as Much as $300 a Year — But There’s a Catch
June 6, 2023
Yahoo Finance
Meredith Fowlie, Energy Institute Faculty Director discusses in Yahoo Finance, how electricity charges can be disproportionate compared to one’s income, and the establishment of a new billing system.
Richer People Pay More: California's Dramatic Change to Electricity Bills
June 7, 2023
The Guardian
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director acknowledges in The Guardian, the high electricity prices in California, as well as the establishment of an income-based charge.
If You Live in California, Your Power Bill Will Soon Depend on Your Income
June 1, 2023
The Washington Post
Meredith Fowlie, Energy Institute Faculty Director clarifies in The Washington Post, the establishment of fixed electricity charges based on income.
Income-Based Electric Bills: The Newest Utility Fight in California
May 9, 2023
Canary Media
Meredith Fowlie, Energy Institute Faculty Director explains in Canary Media, the high California utilities per kilowatt-hour prices and the incorporation of an income-based electricity rate.
PG&E Among Energy Providers Submitting Proposal or Income-Based Electric Rates
May 8, 2023
ABC News Bakersfield
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director responds on ABC News Bakersfield about new proposed electricity rates that would make energy cheaper for some and more expensive for others.
Environmentalists Sue California Over Reduced Solar Incentives
May 4, 2023
The Los Angeles Times
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director responds to environmentalist group concerns that the Public Utilities Commission has ignored key benefits of solar energy, stating that while rooftop solar panels do provide environmental benefits, their advantages may often provide a “private benefit to the customer” rather than a “societal benefit” to be subsidized.
New Electricity Rate Structure Proposal Would, In Part, Use Incomes To Determine Bill
April 20, 2023
KPCC
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, provides insight on the proposal for a new electricity rate structure and its implications on the economy.
What the EPA’s Proposed Electric Car Rules Would Mean for Tesla — and You
April 14, 2023
SFGate
Jim Sallee, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, discusses with SFGate that Tesla market share may decline as the electric vehicle market expands.
A New Charge is Coming to Your Electric Bill. Will it Make California Rates More Affordable?
April 11, 2023
The Los Angeles Times and Market Place
With the recent electricity bill mandate on residential ratepayers, the Los Angeles Times quotes Jim Sallee, Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, on joint project with Next 10 focusing on residential rate redesign. The report includes adopting a fixed monthly charge based on household income.
US Energy Storage Needs National Standards and Regulations to Thrive Amid Clean Energy Transition: GAO
April 11, 2023
Utility Dive
Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, shares expertise with the Utility Dive around the challenge of establishing a standardized set of energy storage rules across the nation’s three energy grids.
The US Produced More Electricity From Renewable Sources Than Coal in 2022
March 28, 2023
Marketplace and More
Faculty Director Severin Borenstein elaborates on price gouging within the oil industry on Marketplace.