False Tradeoffs Between Energy Affordability and Clean Energy Investments, Driven by Rate Confusion. Policymakers and stakeholders often frame energy affordability and bill relief as being in conflict with energy-efficiency and electrification investments, leading to pressure to cut or delay these programs as a perceived “bill solution.” This is reinforced by confusion among customers and policymakers about what drives utility rate increases—such as wildfire liability, transmission investments, efficiency programs, and shareholder returns—undermining trust and support for long-term affordability and decarbonization strategies.