We are a group of retirees who are tired of high utility bills and an overly powerful utility monopoly. We support reforms that get at the root of the problem: utility spending increases on poles and wires, and state regulators that rubber-stamp this spending.

To fix high rates, state officials need to rein in utility spending increases on poles and wires. One important way to do that is by reducing the need to build as many poles and wires to begin with, by empowering everyday people to reduce their energy use through conservation, energy efficiency, and rooftop solar and batteries.

This first-order solution both reduces the cost of the grid, lowers rates for everyone, and allows millions of consumers to immediately reduce their energy bills. This is especially important for low-income seniors and those with disabilities.

We started our group in 2021 when we heard that AARP, the association for retired people, supported efforts to slash incentives for rooftop solar. We realized that we retirees need to speak up with our voices to help guide AARP and other leaders on better solutions to high utility bills.

The organizers of this group include:

• Lee Miller, AARP Member, Sacramento
• Ron Rita, Glendora
• Richard Skaff, Director-Designing Accessible Communities, AARP Member
• Robert Mills, San Rafael
• David Rusch, Culver City

Contact us at Ringoboy53@outlook.com