Electric Rate Changes and Summer Bills

Summer Bills

This summer has been warmer than the previous two summers, which may mean more energy use especially if you have been using an air conditioner. For comparison, 2010 was the coolest summer in the history of San Diego, last year was the fourth coolest summer.

With the warmer weather in August, September bills for most people will be higher, especially for people who use air conditioning and who’s electricity use reaches rate tiers 3 and 4. The increased energy use, along with the electric rate adjustment could mean bills that are higher than the previous month.

Electric Rates

The electricity needed to power homes and businesses comes from a variety of sources. Every year we estimate the amount of money needed to fuel our power plants, plus the costs to buy power, including electricity from renewable energy sources.

We track the costs and when there’s a difference of more than five percent between actual costs and projected costs we’re required by regulations to adjust electric rates up or down to adjust for the difference.

This year, our energy costs have increased due to more renewable energy and other factors so our actual costs are higher. On Sept. 4, electric rates will be increased for people who use more electricity.

As your electricity use rises, your electric rates also rise. California established a tiered rate system to encourage conservation. Within SDG&E's four tiered rate structure there is no rate increase for the first two tiers. The electric rate increase affects customers who use more energy – those in tiers 3 and 4.

Bill Comparison

Comparing the new rates to the one that have been in place, a typical residential monthly summer electric bill will increase:

Based on 500 kWh of electricity

$81.15 to $82.81 (2.0 percent) for inland customers

$87.75 to $91.07 (3.8 percent) for coastal customers

Based on 1000 kWh of electricity

$214.72 to $229.54 (6.9 percent) for inland customers

$223.25 to $239.72 (7.4 percent) for coastal customers

Based on 1500 kWh of electricity

$351.75 to $379.72 (8.0 percent) for inland customers

$360.27 to $389.90 (8.2 percent) for coastal customers

Resources

Managing your energy use is the easiest way to lower your bill. To help, we have a variety of resources and services.

An online energy use management tool you can use to track your use and determine what energy tier you’re in. You can also analyze your bill to see why it went up.View our energy management tool

Programs and rebates to help you increase the energy efficiency of your home and reduce your overall use.View saving programs and rebates

Assistance programs, including electricity rate discounts and free home weatherization, for people who meet established income guidelines.View assistance programs

For information on ways to save energy and money on your bills, Visit sdge.com/summer