San Diego Utility: Proposed 8.6% Rate Hike Could Add $270 a Year
San Diego Gas & Electric customers could pay about $22.48 more per month under a proposed rate increase beginning in 2028. The request drew criticism at a public meeting in Santee, while the utility says the added revenue would fund wildfire prevention, infrastructure and other costs.
San Diego Gas & Electric customers could see average combined electricity and gas bills rise 8.6% under a proposal that would add about $22.48 a month starting in 2028, drawing angry reactions at a public meeting in Santee. The california city hit shocking rate proposal is not approved.
Customers pushed back. The utility is asking California regulators to let it collect an additional $280 million in 2028 compared with its expected 2027 revenue, bringing its requested total to $3.8 billion that year.
SDG&E also wants to increase revenue through 2031, adding up to another $1.07 billion over four years. The proposed average increase would amount to nearly $270 a year for households.
Customers challenge affordability
At a California Public Utilities Commission public meeting in Santee, customers and opponents criticized the proposal over affordability and the utility’s profits. Some speakers accused the company of corporate greed as households face steep energy costs.
Tyler Andre of SanDiego350 cited the utility’s reported $862 million profit for the first nine months of 2026. “We pay some of the highest rates in the nation,” he said.
Andre also told the gathering, “SDG&E just reported record profits for quarter three and are expected to break a billion dollars this year for the first time.” The crowd booed.
One customer called the increase “a slap in the face to us, the customers, as we are the ones who keep this company running.” Another asked, “Before you approve another increase, could you tell me: What do we need to give up to pay for it?”
Utility cites safety and operating costs
SDG&E says the requested revenue would help pay for wildfire prevention, infrastructure improvements, cybersecurity, insurance and other operating costs.
“We know our customers are concerned about affordability, and we take that seriously,” a utility spokesperson said. The spokesperson said SDG&E is focused on controlling costs, operating more efficiently and keeping bills manageable while providing safe, reliable energy.
The spokesperson added that the request is a proposal subject to “a thorough public review.” The California Public Utilities Commission will hold additional virtual public meetings on Dec. 9 and 10 to collect feedback.
A final decision is not expected for at least another year. The proposed increases have not been approved and would not take effect immediately.
