Los Angeles’ Coal Ban Expected to Burden Customers with High Electricity Prices

Los Angeles Ends Coal Use to Achieve Clean Energy Goals

Los Angeles has made the decision to sever ties with coal in order to reach its aim of 100% clean energy by 2035. However, city officials are highlighting this achievement while residents are facing high electricity costs.

In 2024, coal and oil accounted for 11% of the city’s power supply. Yet, the city announced just last week that it has completely stopped relying on energy produced from coal. Mayor Karen Bass characterized the cessation as a “historic milestone,” although the impact on residents could be challenging given they already pay around 20% more for electricity than the national average, according to EnergySage.

Jason Isaacs, CEO of the American Energy Association, expressed concerns to a news outlet, stating, “Los Angeles may be at the forefront, but it’s not moving in a positive direction. The city is leading with costly and unreliable energy, which isn’t something to take pride in.” He added, “By cutting off affordable coal power from neighboring areas, we’re hurting good jobs and substituting dependable American energy for expensive, weather-dependent technologies imported from China. City leaders can keep saying ‘clean,’ but as energy jobs leave California for China, Los Angeles will be importing more pollution along with unreliable power.”

Mayor Bass took to social media to announce the end of coal in the city’s electricity supply.

Before this decision, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) was receiving coal energy from the Intermountain Power Project in Utah, which has reportedly ceased operations since just before Thanksgiving.

Both Utah and California have objectives to transition to greener energy sources, and the Intermountain facility has begun moving towards “cleaner” options.

In a statement, Bass called this moment a defining one for Los Angeles. “This decision not only eliminates coal use but also fosters a clean energy economy benefiting all Angelenos. This milestone will propel our transition to 100% clean energy by 2035,” she added. The city is also focusing on solar and wind power generation, enhancing charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, rainwater harvesting, and ambitious efforts to reduce overall carbon emissions.