In a heated segment of The Roggin Report, Fred Roggin and guests Doug and Jamiee Baker took aim at California state regulators following a controversial December 18, 2025, vote. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) moved to maintain double-digit profit margins—hovering around 10%—for major investor-owned utilities like Southern California Edison (SCE). This decision came despite pleas from consumer advocates and economists to slash margins to 6%, a move that proponents argue would have saved Californians $6 billion annually.
Fred highlighted the growing "energy poverty" in the state, noting that California electricity rates have surged 40% in just three years, trailing only Hawaii as the most expensive in the nation. The debate turned sharp as Doug Baker pointed out the "height of hypocrisy" in utility arguments; while companies claim high profits are necessary to offset wildfire risks, investigations recently revealed that the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires were linked to faulty equipment and power lines that had been idle for decades.
The panel explored the frustration of living under a "regulated monopoly" where nearly a million residents are currently behind on their bills. While Doug acknowledged the financial necessity of attracting infrastructure investors, Jamiee called for a shift toward public utilities, which don't pay out shareholder dividends and typically offer lower rates. As bills continue to climb alongside record utility profits, the segment served as a stark reminder that for many in the Coachella Valley, the only thing "shocking" this holiday season is the cost of keeping the lights on.
By: NBC Palm Springs
December 19, 2025
