California city hit with shocking utility rate hike proposal: ‘A slap in the face to us’

San Diego Gas & Electric customers criticised a proposed rate increase at a California Public Utilities Commission meeting, saying energy bills are already difficult to afford. The proposal would raise average combined electricity and gas bills by about 8.6% from 2028, adding nearly $270 a year, and would allow the utility to collect more revenue through 2031.

SDG&E is seeking $280 million more in 2028 than its expected 2027 revenue, bringing its requested total to $3.8 billion that year; across four years, it seeks an additional $1.07 billion. The company says the money would fund wildfire prevention, infrastructure, cybersecurity, insurance and operating costs, while critics cited its reported $862 million profit in the first nine months of 2026. The California regulator will hold further public meetings on 9 and 10 December, and a decision is not expected for at least a year.