Your baseline allowance corresponds with the lowest rate per kWh. Electricity rates rise progressively as your electricity use reaches the second, third and fourth tiers. They also differ slightly from winter to summer.
Residential Electric Rate |
Tiers |
Total standard electric |
|
|
|
Winter |
Summer |
Baseline * |
Tier 1 |
13¢ |
13¢ |
101% to 130% of baseline |
Tier 2 |
15¢ |
15¢ |
131% to 200% of baseline |
Tier 3 |
29¢ |
31¢ |
Over 200% of baseline |
Tier 4 |
31¢ |
33¢ |
* Electricity use that falls within the monthly baseline allowance of kWh shown on your SDG&E bill is billed at the baseline rate per kWh, which is the lowest rate.
You will see the biggest jump in your rates once your usage gets into the third and fourth tiers. One reason for this is because the electric rates for usage in tiers one and two are capped under State Assembly Bill AB1X. Therefore, any rate increases are allocated entirely in tiers three and four.
As shown in the following chart, rates in tier three and four are approximately double the rates in tier one and two in both summer and winter.

The Standard Residential Electric Rates reflect Total UDC rates under Schedule DR, SDG&E's primary schedule for residential electric service, and the applicable rates under Schedules EECC and
DWR-BC. The chart reflects proposed rates effective Date of September 1, 2009 (AL 2103-E).