SDG&E Has the Highest Rates in the Country. Here's What San Diego Homeowners Can Do

San Diego Gas & Electric isn't just expensive — it's the most expensive investor-owned utility in the entire United States. SDG&E residential rates regularly exceed $0.45–$0.55 per kWh, with peak TOU rates hitting $0.65 or more.

Why SDG&E Rates Are So High

• Small customer base, big infrastructure costs — SDG&E serves a smaller territory than PG&E or SCE, so infrastructure costs are spread across fewer ratepayers.
• Wildfire costs — San Diego County's fire-prone terrain means massive spending on fire prevention, including undergrounding power lines.
• CPUC-approved increases — The CPUC has approved consistent rate hikes for SDG&E, with more in the pipeline.

The Silver Lining: Best Solar ROI in California

Here's the counterintuitive truth: the higher your utility rate, the better solar pays off. San Diego homeowners see the fastest payback periods and highest lifetime savings of any market in California — often in the country.

• San Diego sun — 266 sunny days per year, excellent solar irradiance
• High offset value — Every kWh your panels produce offsets electricity worth $0.45–$0.55
• Payback period — As fast as 4–5 years for SDG&E customers

SDG&E Customer Savings Example

For a San Diego home with a $400/month SDG&E bill:

• A 7–9 kW solar system can offset 85–95% of usage
• Monthly savings: $340–$380
• Annual savings: $4,080–$4,560
• 25-year savings: $100,000–$115,000+

Don't Let SDG&E Keep Winning

Every month without solar is a month where SDG&E profits from California's highest rates at your expense. Take control of your energy costs.

Calculate your savings or see if you qualify for solar.