
<a href="https://reason.com/2025/08/12/san-franciscos-all-electric-ordinance-will-make-housing-more-expensive/" target="_blank">View original image source</a>.
San Francisco has just rolled out the All-Electric Major Renovations Ordinance, which aims to lower fossil fuel usage in buildings. Sounds noble, right? But here’s the twist: while city officials claim it’s a cost-saving measure, studies suggest that energy regulations like this one might actually inflate housing prices. In a city already grappling with a housing crisis, this could feel like pouring gasoline on a fire—ironically, natural gas is the one we’re trying to extinguish!
Local proponents, including Rafael Mandelman, the president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, are convinced that this ordinance represents a bright step toward clean energy. However, with rising rent prices—over 13% for one-bedroom apartments since last year—there’s a yellow flag waving over the supposed benefits. Could it be that saving the planet might accidentally leave our wallets light? If nothing else, this move promises to keep homeowners buzzing about their utility bills for years to come!
As this ordinance slides toward implementation in July 2026, we should also think about who this law really benefits. Will it save you money in the long run, or just send your expenses skyrocketing? One thing’s for sure: it’ll definitely spice up discussions at your next dinner party. What do you think—can we truly go green without seeing red in our bank accounts?
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