Report: Drought increased California’s electricity costs by $2.45 billion.
(KGTV)–California’s latest drought lead to an increase in electricity costs in the billions of dollars and contributed to an increase in carbon dioxide emissions, according to a new report released today by the Pacific Institute.
The report assessed the costs of lost hydro-electricity to California during the severe, five-year drought and found: An increase in electricity costs of $2.45 billion Ten percent boost in carbon dioxide emissions from California power plants "The recent drought was the driest and hottest in 120 years of instrumental records and one of the worst in California history, and it had impacts on all water users including farmers, industries, cities and natural ecosystems," report author Peter Gleick said.
"And, in fact, all California ratepayers were affected by the drought as they paid for electricity that was both dirtier and more expensive than in non-drought years."
The loss of hydroelectricity during the drought led to the additional combustion of fossil fuels for electric generation, the report claims.
Carbon dioxide emissions are the leading cause of climate change.
Sandy Coronilla is a KGTV digital producer.
Follow her @10NewsSandy