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Theoretically, you could add a third type of charge related to the externalities associated with your consumption. I'm not sure exactly how the accounting would work, but maybe an escalating fee based on the amount you consume. My utility actually does this with electricity, where the rate goes up after your first 1000 kWh. Obviously this could get more elaborate.


This is effectively similar to the "energy price ceiling" that the Netherlands have introduced for this year: https://www.government.nl/topics/energy-crisis/cabinet-plans...

Note: the most recent English document still describes this as "planned", but it has been approved and has gone into effect with the start of 2023.

The difference is though that the state subsidies the "cheaper" rate. When a customer has consumed the subsidized amount of electricity or gas, they pay the full market price.


That’s a fancy way to say carbon tax, which I agree with but also recognize has been turned into a political landmine.

Also I thought PG&E still had the reverse situation, of people voluntarily paying more for green power.




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