California electric rate report reveals steep hikes, especially for PG&E

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (FOX26) — The Public Advocates Office has released a report detailing changes in residential electric rates across major utility service territories in California.

The report covers Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric, and outlines rate adjustments through April 1, 2025.

The Public Advocates Office, which represents utility customers’ interests, primarily participates in proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission and engages in other policymaking forums.

The office tracks rates and develops recommendations to minimize costs to ratepayers.

“The California electric utilities recover their operational and investment costs through the rates they charge their customers,” the report stated. “These rates regularly change due to many factors.”

The report showed rates increased at PG&E by 43% over the last three years, 25% at So Cal Edison, and 5% at SDGE.

It also showed the 10-year change was up 104 % for PG&E, 83% for So Cal Edison, and 71% for SDGE.

The reason for the large jump in the 10-year was credited to wildfire mitigation and insurance, transmission and distribution investments, and rooftop solar incentives (Net Energy Metering).