New California Law May Mean More Will Move to Montana

First, it was COVID-19 that created a mass migration of families to Montana. In 2020 and 2021, you couldn't throw a rock without hitting a car with California plates. (Which is just a saying by the way.) Unfortunately, some Montana residents have considered throwing rocks at cars with California plates. That sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen... But, I digress.

Get our free mobile app

It is no surprise that California is experiencing an exodus of residents leaving the state. It has gotten so crazy, that reports say it is nearly impossible to find a U-Haul rental anywhere in California.

Read More: California Ran Out of U-hauls! Did They All End Up in Montana?

It looks like Montana could see another surge of Californians. The "Golden State" has recently passed a new law that may drive many residents away.

Assembly Bill 205 was passed in California. This new law allows electricity companies to charge customers based on income level instead of usage. The rates will be flat rates, billed monthly.

For example, SoCal Edison proposes the following price structure:

• Above $180,000: $85/month
• $69,000 - $180,000: $51/month
• $28,000 - $69,000: $20/month
• Less than $28,000: $15/month

This is good news for low-income families. They can catch a break on utilities and are expected to save nearly $300 a year. Households making $180k or more per year will see a $500 yearly increase. That may not seem like a lot, but it is especially hurtful for all the families who just spent a large sum of money installing solar panels to save money on energy. Now they are stuck with a flat rate regardless of how much energy they use.

Clearly, it is not going to sit well with some residents. This is why, I predict, we may soon see even more California plates driving down Main Street in Montana.