Pacific Gas & Electric provides electricity service to Fresno and the surrounding California area. The local climate significantly impacts energy costs throughout the year.
41¢/kWh
Average residential rate
The average Fresno residential customer pays approximately 41¢ per kilowatt-hour.
| Plan | Base Rate | Peak Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiered Rate Plan (E-1) | 38¢/kWh (Tier 1), 47¢/kWh (Tier 2) | N/A | Customers with low to moderate energy use who can't shift their usage to off-peak hours. |
| Time-of-Use (E-TOU-C) | Varies by season and time of day. | 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day | Customers who can shift a significant portion of their energy use to off-peak hours. |
| Electric Home Rate Plan (E-ELEC) | Varies by season and time of day, with a $15 monthly base charge. | 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day | Customers with electric homes and high energy consumption who can benefit from lower off-peak rates. |
Tiered Rate Plan (E-1): Customers with low to moderate energy use who can't shift their usage to off-peak hours.
Time-of-Use (E-TOU-C): Customers who can shift a significant portion of their energy use to off-peak hours.
Electric Home Rate Plan (E-ELEC): Customers with electric homes and high energy consumption who can benefit from lower off-peak rates.
Fresno rates are approximately 28.5¢/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.*
Fresno has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, characterized by long, hot, dry summers and mild, damp winters. This leads to very high electricity usage for air conditioning in the summer months.
| Season | Typical Bill Range | Primary Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | $250-$600 | Air conditioning |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | $150-$350 | Heating |
| Spring/Fall | $200-$450 | Baseline usage |
Summer bills in Fresno can reach $600, while residents in San Francisco typically see summer peaks around $300.
*Bill estimates based on average Fresno household usage of 1,000 kWh/month.*
Pacific Gas & Electric rates in Fresno have changed over the past several years:
Residential electricity rates in Fresno have seen significant increases in recent years, driven by a combination of factors including infrastructure investments, wildfire mitigation efforts, and state-level energy policies.
PG&E has indicated that rates are likely to continue to rise in the coming years to fund further grid modernization and safety initiatives. However, the utility is also exploring new rate structures and programs to help customers manage their energy costs.
Serves Fresno and surrounding areas.
Common questions about Pacific Gas & Electric service in Fresno, California — including current rates, billing, outage reporting, and how to verify your bill is accurate.
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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.
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