What SDG&E customers are paying now
SDG&E's average residential rate was 45.5 cents per kilowatt-hour in June 2026, about a third higher than Edison or PG&E. Rates have nearly doubled in 10 years, an average increase of 6.7% a year, and SDG&E bills now include a fixed monthly Base Services Charge of about $24 for most households.
With rates this high, every kilowatt-hour your panels make is worth more. That's why San Diego homeowners often see some of the biggest savings from switching.
How the bill swap works
A solar provider installs panels on your roof at no cost. They own the system, and you buy the power it makes at a lower rate than the utility charges. This is called a power purchase agreement, or PPA.
- Bill review and roof inspection. We read a recent bill to see your real usage and rate plan, then check your roof's condition and sun exposure.
- Lock in your rate. You see your solar rate in writing before you sign. It rises a fixed 3.5% a year, never more.
- Install and swap. Panels usually go up in one day. Once the utility approves the connection, you pay for solar power, and your utility bill shrinks to what's left.
What it can look like on an SDG&E bill
You keep paying SDG&E for the fixed monthly charge and any power you use beyond what your panels make. We add both payments together, so the savings we show are real totals.
Where we serve SDG&E customers
SDG&E serves San Diego County and part of southern Orange County. Homeowners we help include those in:
- San Diego
- Chula Vista
- Oceanside and Vista
- Carlsbad and Encinitas
- Escondido and San Marcos
- El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee
- Poway
- San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano
If you're with San Diego Community Power
Many SDG&E customers buy their power through San Diego Community Power or Clean Energy Alliance, while SDG&E delivers it and sends the bill. The bill swap works the same way. Send us every page of the bill so we can see your total cost.
Common questions
Why are SDG&E rates so high?
Rates reflect the cost of running and protecting the grid, including wildfire safety work, plus the cost of power itself. Whatever the cause, the bill swap gives you a rate that rises a fixed 3.5% a year, in writing.
Will I still get an SDG&E bill?
Yes, a smaller one. SDG&E still charges the fixed monthly Base Services Charge and bills for any power you use beyond what your panels produce.
Does solar make sense for a smaller home?
Often, yes, because SDG&E rates are so high. Your estimate is built from your own bill, so you'll see whether it makes sense before you commit to anything.
Last updated September 29, 2026. Rates and rules change. Your estimate is based on your own bill.