Utility Check

PG&E Rate Per kWh: Current Electricity Rates

Last updated: January 2026

PG&E's electricity rates are among the highest in the nation, reflecting California's clean energy mandates, wildfire mitigation costs, and infrastructure investments. Understanding your rate per kWh is essential for managing your electricity costs.

Your actual rate depends on your rate plan, usage tier, time of use, and baseline allowance.

Current Rate Ranges

As of 2026, PG&E residential rates typically range from:

  • Tier 1 (Baseline): $0.28-0.32 per kWh
  • Tier 2 (Above Baseline): $0.38-0.42 per kWh
  • TOU Peak Hours: $0.45-0.55+ per kWh
  • TOU Off-Peak: $0.25-0.35 per kWh

These rates are significantly higher than the national average of approximately $0.13 per kWh.

Rate Plan Options

PG&E offers several rate plans:

  • E-TOU-C: Time-of-Use with peak 4-9 PM (most common)
  • E-TOU-D: Time-of-Use with peak 5-8 PM
  • E-1: Tiered rate without time-of-use (limited availability)
  • EV rates: Special rates for electric vehicle owners

Compare your usage patterns to find the best plan. Check your billing details to see your current plan.

Why California Rates Are High

Several factors contribute to PG&E's high rates:

  • Wildfire liability and prevention costs ($billions annually)
  • 100% clean energy mandate by 2045
  • Undergrounding power lines in fire-prone areas
  • Grid modernization and smart meter infrastructure
  • Low-income assistance programs (CARE, FERA)

Quick PG&E Bill Check

Enter your bill details below to see if your rate appears typical for PG&E customers.

Quick Bill Sanity Check

No upload required. Enter two numbers from your bill to see if it falls within typical ranges for PG&E.

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.

Want a Definitive Answer?

The sanity check above provides context, but it can't verify your actual bill. Upload your PG&E bill for a complete verification of billing math, rate application, and usage patterns.

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More About PG&E Billing

Why Is My PG&E Bill So High?

Common reasons for unexpectedly high PG&E bills and how to investigate.

PG&E Baseline Allowance Explained

Understanding PG&E's baseline allowance and tiered pricing structure.

PG&E Bill Explained

A complete breakdown of every charge on your PG&E bill.

Tools & Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is PG&E's current rate per kWh?

PG&E rates vary by tier and time of use, ranging from approximately $0.25-0.55 per kWh. The average effective rate for most residential customers is around $0.35-0.40 per kWh.

Which PG&E rate plan is cheapest?

The best plan depends on your usage patterns. If you can shift usage to off-peak hours, TOU plans offer savings. If your usage is consistent throughout the day, the tiered E-1 plan may be better.

How do PG&E rates compare to other California utilities?

PG&E rates are similar to other California IOUs (SCE, SDG&E). All California utilities have rates significantly higher than the national average due to state-mandated programs and infrastructure costs.