San Diego Electricity Rates
ElectricChoice Energy Research · Updated
- The average residential electricity rate in San Diego is 44.02¢ per kWh — the highest of any major U.S. metro.
- A typical San Diego home pays about $205/month for electricity despite using only 480 kWh, well below the national average usage.
- SDG&E has filed for a 13.7% rate increase for 2027, driven by wildfire undergrounding and transmission upgrades.
The Most Expensive Power in America
San Diego residents are served by SDG&E under a mandatory time-of-use tariff — every residential customer is billed on TOU pricing. The effective all-in rate of ~44.02¢/kWh is the highest of any major U.S. metro, driven by wildfire mitigation costs, renewable mandates, and post-SONGS nuclear decommissioning.
| 44.02¢ | Effective Residential Rate | All-in weighted average across SDG&E’s mandatory TOU periods at 480 kWh typical usage. |
| +140% | Above U.S. National Average | SD residents pay 2.4× the U.S. benchmark of 18.34¢/kWh. |
| ~$205 | Average Monthly Bill | Despite using only 480 kWh/mo (below national average), the high rate makes bills expensive. |
| 3.7M | People Served | By SDG&E across San Diego and southern Orange County. |
SDG&E DR — Mandatory Time-of-Use Tariff Breakdown
Effective · Authorized under CPUC Proceeding A.24-02-014
| TOU Period | Time Window | Rate / Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Minimum Bill | Fixed grid connection fee ($0.53/day) | $16.00 / month |
| Super Off-Peak | Midnight–6 AM + 10 AM–2 PM weekdays | 25.72¢ / kWh |
| Off-Peak | 6 AM–4 PM, 9 PM–midnight wkdays; all weekends/holidays | 38.18¢ / kWh |
| On-Peak | 4 PM–9 PM weekdays | 56.41¢ / kWh |
| Effective All-in Rate | Weighted average at 480 kWh typical usage | ~44.02¢ / kWh |
SDG&E bills all residential customers on mandatory time-of-use rates — the cost of every kilowatt-hour depends on when you use it. On-peak hours (4–9 PM weekdays) cost 56.41¢/kWh, while super off-peak windows drop to 25.72¢/kWh. Shifting just 20% of usage off-peak can save $30+/month.
Highest Rates in the Continental U.S.
SDG&E residential rates are the highest of any metro in the continental United States. The primary drivers are wildfire mitigation infrastructure (~$3.6B program), California’s renewable mandates, transmission investments, and post-SONGS nuclear decommissioning costs.
Mandatory Time-of-Use Since 2019
SDG&E was the first major California utility to default all residential customers to TOU pricing. The 4–9 PM peak window costs 2.2× the super off-peak rate. Pre-cooling your home and running appliances before 4 PM can save $25–$45/month.
SDCP Community Choice
San Diego Community Power (SDCP) is a CCA serving San Diego city and 5 surrounding cities. SDCP purchases cleaner electricity at rates 1–3% below SDG&E bundled service. SDG&E still delivers the power and handles outages.
Bill Estimator & TOU Schedule
SDG&E’s mandatory time-of-use tariff means your bill depends entirely on when you consume electricity. Use the estimator below to see costs at different usage levels, then review the TOU windows to plan your savings strategy.
Monthly Bill Estimate by Usage Level
Based on SDG&E DR TOU tariff effective March 1, 2026 · CPUC Proceeding A.24-02-014
| Monthly Usage | Home Type | Estimated Bill | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 kWh | Apartment | $126/mo | 50.40¢/kWh |
| 480 kWh | Typical SD Home | $205/mo | 42.71¢/kWh |
| 1,000 kWh | Large Home / Electric Heat | $456/mo | 45.60¢/kWh |
Estimates assume typical TOU usage distribution. Actual bills vary based on when you consume electricity. Shifting usage to super off-peak hours lowers your effective rate. See our EV charging cost calculator to estimate how TOU rates affect home charging.
SDG&E Time-of-Use Windows
Mandatory for all residential customers — rates vary by time of day, every day of the year
Evening demand peak when solar generation fades. Avoid running AC, laundry, dishwashers, and EV charging during this window to save the most.
Weekday shoulder hours plus all weekend and holiday hours. Standard rate for most daytime and late-evening usage.
Overnight hours and midday solar surplus window. Best time for EV charging, pool pumps, and heavy appliances. Costs 2.2× less than on-peak.
How Rates Got This High
San Diego’s 1,000 kWh bill has risen from $342.15 in June 2023 to $456.20 in March 2026 — a 33% increase in under three years. SDG&E has filed for an additional 13.7% increase for 2027.
Proposed 2027 Rate Increase & Income-Based Fixed Charge
SDG&E has filed for a 13.7% residential increase for 2027, driven by wildfire undergrounding and transmission upgrades. Additionally, CPUC is considering an income-graduated fixed charge that would restructure billing. A 480 kWh bill could rise from ~$205 to $233/month.
Wildfire Mitigation / TOU Update
ERRA / PCIA / Wildfire
GRC Phase 1
ERRA Fuel / CAM Adj
General Rate Case / Wildfire
GRC / Transmission
Monthly Costs & Energy Mix
San Diego bills range from $181 in April to $256 in August. This month (September), a typical home pays around $245. SDG&E generates 35% from natural gas, 28% solar, and 48% renewables overall.
12-Month Seasonal Bill Estimate
Modeled for a typical 480 kWh coastal Mediterranean home with mild year-round climate
San Diego bills swing from $181 in April to $256 in August. The coastal Mediterranean climate keeps swings modest compared to inland metros — most variation comes from summer AC in August and September rather than winter heating.
SDG&E Bundled Generation Fleet
Fuel mix powering San Diego, Escondido, Oceanside, and southern Orange County
SDG&E draws heavily from Imperial Valley solar farms and Baja California wind resources. With no nuclear generation since San Onofre (SONGS) closed in 2013, the utility relies on natural gas peaker plants for evening ramp periods. Renewables account for 48% of total generation.
San Diego vs. Everyone Else
San Diego’s 44.02¢/kWh rate is 140% above the U.S. average of 18.34¢/kWh — higher than every other major metro in the continental U.S., including San Francisco (38.92¢) and Los Angeles (24.88¢).
Effective Residential Electricity Rate Comparison
Effective rate per kWh based on benchmark residential consumption
Regulated market figures reflect official utility tariffs. Competitive deregulated rates reflect active plan offerings. View our comprehensive 50-state electricity price index or see the full California electricity rates page for statewide data.
SDG&E Programs & Discounts
San Diego residents can lower bills through income-based discounts (CARE saves $60–$80/mo), community choice aggregation via SDCP, and medical baseline allowances. All programs are available regardless of your generation supplier.
CARE & FERA Discounts
CARE provides a 30–35% bill discount for qualifying low-income households. FERA offers an 18% discount for families of 3+ just above CARE income limits. At SDG&E’s high rates, CARE saves approximately $60–$80/month — among the largest utility discounts in the nation.
San Diego Community Power (SDCP)
CCA program providing cleaner electricity at 1–3% below SDG&E bundled rates. Default enrollment for San Diego city residents. SDCP offers a 100% renewable “Power100” tier for approximately $5/mo more. SDG&E continues to handle all physical delivery and outage restoration.
Medical Baseline & California Climate Credit
Medical baseline adds ~500 kWh at lower rates for medically dependent households. All customers receive the California Climate Credit (~$40 twice annually) as a direct bill offset from cap-and-trade proceeds.
Common Questions
What is the average electricity rate in San Diego?
About 44.02¢/kWh under SDG&E’s mandatory TOU tariff — the highest of any major U.S. metro. On-peak hours (4–9 PM) cost 56.41¢/kWh.
Is California a deregulated state?
No. California suspended retail choice. SDG&E is regulated by the CPUC. San Diego Community Power (SDCP) operates as a CCA alternative for generation but SDG&E handles all delivery.
Who is the electric utility for San Diego?
SDG&E handles delivery for all of San Diego County. For generation, most city residents are enrolled in SDCP. SDG&E outage line: 1-800-411-7343.
Why are San Diego electricity rates the highest in the US?
Wildfire mitigation ($3.6B undergrounding program), SONGS nuclear decommissioning costs, California renewable mandates, transmission investments, and CPUC-approved rate case increases.
What is the average monthly electric bill in San Diego?
About $190–$210/mo for 480 kWh. SD homes use less electricity than average due to mild coastal climate, but the ultra-high per-kWh rate still produces expensive bills.
How can I lower my SDG&E bill?
Shift usage out of 4–9 PM peak (save 30%+ per kWh). Apply for CARE (30% discount). Enroll in SDCP. Install rooftop solar (SD averages 266 sunny days/year). Use a smart thermostat for pre-cooling.
What is the difference between SDG&E and SDCP?
SDG&E is the investor-owned utility handling all physical delivery. SDCP is the Community Choice Aggregation purchasing cleaner generation at 1–3% lower rates. You can opt between them for your generation supplier.
