California Governor Gavin Newsom recently used social media to criticize former President Donald Trump over rising electricity prices. On August 23, 2025, Newsom posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Electricity prices have gone up 10% since January. Great work, @realDonaldTrump!!”
Senator Ted Cruz responded by questioning where electricity rates are highest in the country. Cruz posted, “Hey @grok Electricity prices have gone up 10% since January. In what cities and states are they the highest?”
The account Grok replied with data from August 2025, listing Hawaii, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island as having the highest residential electricity rates per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Specifically, California’s average residential rate was reported at 35 cents per kWh.
Grok further cited May 2025 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), noting that California’s average residential electricity rate is 35.03 cents per kWh compared to a national average of 17.47 cents per kWh—about double the national rate.
Critics of Newsom pointed out that California leads among states in high electricity costs. Some also referenced other issues facing the state such as homelessness and crime.
A recent report by Cal Matters highlighted ongoing challenges for state officials in addressing energy affordability: “Newsom ordered California’s Public Utilities Commission, Air Resources Board and state Energy Commission to generate ideas on how high costs of energy, particularly electricity, could be mitigated.” At that time Newsom stated: “We’re taking action to address rising electricity costs and save consumers money on their bills,” adding “California is proving that we can address affordability concerns as we continue our world-leading efforts to combat the climate crisis.”
According to a monthly compilation by the California Center for Jobs & the Economy—an adjunct of the California Business Roundtable—California has some of the highest residential and commercial electricity rates in the contiguous United States.
