SCE's baseline allowance represents the amount of electricity the California Public Utilities Commission considers necessary for basic household needs. It determines how much of your usage is charged at the lowest tier rate.
Understanding your baseline is essential because exceeding it means paying significantly higher rates for additional electricity.
How Baseline Works
Your baseline allowance is calculated based on:
- Climate Zone: SCE has 16 baseline zones based on local climate
- Season: Summer (June-September) vs. Winter (October-May)
- Heating Source: All-electric homes get a higher baseline
Customers in hot inland areas receive higher baseline allowances than those in mild coastal areas.
Finding Your Baseline
Your baseline allowance appears on your SCE bill. Look for:
- "Baseline Quantity" in the usage details
- Your baseline zone number
- Daily baseline allocation in kWh
Multiply your daily baseline by the number of days in your billing period to get your total baseline allowance.
Tier Pricing Impact
Once you exceed your baseline:
- Tier 1: Usage up to 100% of baseline at the lowest rate
- Tier 2: Usage above baseline at a higher rate
The difference between tiers can be significant. Staying within your baseline saves money on every kWh.