Pacific Gas & Electric provides electricity service to Bakersfield and the surrounding California area. The local climate significantly impacts energy costs throughout the year.
30¢/kWh
Average residential rate
The average Bakersfield residential customer pays approximately 30¢ per kilowatt-hour.
| Plan | Base Rate | Peak Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time-of-Use (E-TOU-C) | 0.28 | 4-9 p.m. daily | Customers who can shift energy use to off-peak hours. |
| Time-of-Use (E-TOU-D) | 0.30 | 5-8 p.m. weekdays | Customers who are away from home on weekdays and can reduce energy use during peak evening hours. |
| Tiered Rate Plan (E-1) | 0.32 | N/A | Customers with consistent energy usage who cannot easily shift their use to off-peak hours. |
Time-of-Use (E-TOU-C): Customers who can shift energy use to off-peak hours.
Time-of-Use (E-TOU-D): Customers who are away from home on weekdays and can reduce energy use during peak evening hours.
Tiered Rate Plan (E-1): Customers with consistent energy usage who cannot easily shift their use to off-peak hours.
Bakersfield rates are approximately 17.5¢/kWh higher than in San Francisco (12.5¢/kWh), which may be due to local infrastructure costs and demand patterns.
*Rates shown are approximate and subject to change. Verify current rates at https://www.pge.com.*
Bakersfield has a hot desert climate with very hot, dry summers and brief, cool, moist winters. Summer temperatures can regularly exceed 100°F, leading to high air conditioning usage.
| Season | Typical Bill Range | Primary Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | $400-$800 | Air conditioning |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | $100-$300 | Heating |
| Spring/Fall | $200-$400 | Baseline usage |
Summer bills in Bakersfield can reach $800, while residents in San Francisco typically see summer peaks around $300.
*Bill estimates based on average Bakersfield household usage of 780 kWh/month.*
Pacific Gas & Electric rates in Bakersfield have changed over the past several years:
Residential electric rates decreased by about 5% on January 1, 2026. This was the fourth decrease in two years.
PG&E projects that residential electric rates and average combined bills will be lower in 2026. No further electric rate increases are forecasted in 2025.
Serves Bakersfield and surrounding areas.
Common questions about Pacific Gas & Electric service in Bakersfield, California — including current rates, billing, outage reporting, and how to verify your bill is accurate.
No upload required. Enter two numbers from your bill to see if it falls within typical ranges.
Most utility bills are calculated correctly.
This quick check helps you understand if your bill stands out from typical ranges. It cannot determine accuracy without a full bill review.
The "Total Amount Due" on your bill
Usually labeled "Total kWh" or "Usage"
Disclaimer: This tool provides a rough estimate based on typical residential rates. It does not account for fixed charges, demand charges, time-of-use pricing, taxes, fees, or other bill components. Results are for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. We cannot determine billing accuracy without reviewing your full bill.
Customer Service
Contact utilityWebsite
https://www.pge.comGet Rate Change Alerts
Be the first to know when Pacific Gas & Electric files for a rate increase or decrease.
Free alerts. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.
How California's tiered rate structure works and how to avoid higher tiers.
Everything you need to know about California's TOU rate plans.
How solar net metering works in California and recent policy changes.