Utility Check

SDG&E Rate Per kWh: Current Electricity Rates

Last updated: January 2026

SDG&E has the highest electricity rates among California's major utilities, and among the highest in the nation. Understanding your rate per kWh is essential for managing costs and evaluating alternatives like solar.

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

Current Rate Ranges

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

  • Super Off-Peak: $0.20-0.28 per kWh
  • Off-Peak: $0.32-0.42 per kWh
  • On-Peak (4-9 PM): $0.50-0.65+ per kWh

These rates are 3-4x the national average of approximately $0.13 per kWh.

Rate Plan Options

SDG&E offers several rate plans:

  • TOU-DR1: Standard TOU with peak 4-9 PM
  • TOU-DR2: Alternative TOU schedule
  • EV-TOU-5: For electric vehicle owners
  • TOU-ELEC: For all-electric homes

Use SDG&E's Rate Comparison Tool to find the best plan for your usage patterns.

Why SDG&E Rates Are Highest

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

  • Extensive wildfire mitigation in fire-prone terrain
  • Undergrounding power lines in high-risk areas
  • Smaller customer base to spread fixed costs
  • Challenging geography requiring expensive infrastructure
  • California's clean energy mandates

Solar Consideration

SDG&E's high rates make solar panels particularly attractive. With rates of $0.40-0.60 per kWh, solar payback periods in San Diego are among the shortest in the country. Consider getting solar quotes to compare with your current electricity costs.

Quick SDG&E Bill Check

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

Quick Bill Sanity Check

No upload required. Enter two numbers from your bill to see if it falls within typical ranges for SDG&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 SDG&E bill for a complete verification of billing math, rate application, and usage patterns.

One-time $19.99 · Read-only analysis · No account access required

More About SDG&E Billing

Why Is My SDG&E Bill So High?

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

SDG&E Baseline Allowance Explained

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

SDG&E Bill Explained

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

Tools & Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

SDG&E rates vary by time of use, ranging from approximately $0.20-0.65 per kWh. The average effective rate for most residential customers is around $0.40-0.45 per kWh.

Which SDG&E rate plan is cheapest?

The best plan depends on your usage patterns. If you can shift usage to super off-peak hours (midnight-6 AM), you can access rates under $0.25 per kWh. Use SDG&E's Rate Comparison Tool.

Is solar worth it with SDG&E rates?

Yes, SDG&E's high rates make solar particularly attractive. With rates of $0.40-0.60 per kWh, solar systems often pay for themselves in 5-7 years in San Diego.