California residents are grappling with a surge in electricity prices, fueled by significant hikes since 2020 in rates charged by the state’s two largest investor-owned utilities, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison (SCE). Adjusted for inflation, residential rates from PG&E and SCE have skyrocketed by 38% and 40%, respectively, while San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has seen an 11% increase. Despite the modest rise in SDG&E rates, the utility held the title of the most expensive provider in 2020. Presently, all three utilities charge rates more than double the national average.
Various factors have been blamed for the escalating prices, sparking debates over their root causes. Some attribute the hikes to profit-driven utilities, while others point to the substantial costs incurred in mitigating climate change impacts, particularly the heightened wildfire risk in California. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the perceived high costs associated with the state’s strategy to transition to renewable energy sources, although evidence supporting this claim remains scarce.
Regardless of the reasons behind the surge in utility costs, the impact on rates is exacerbated when customers install their own power generation systems, such as rooftop solar panels, thereby reducing their reliance on grid-supplied electricity. This reduction in grid consumption results in fewer contributions toward fixed system costs, including vegetation management, grid reinforcement, and energy efficiency programs. Consequently, utility rates rise to cover these fixed expenses, ultimately burdening customers who still rely on grid power.
The proliferation of rooftop solar has exacerbated the problem, particularly in recent years, as solar capacity on residential properties has more than doubled. This surge in solar adoption, coupled with escalating utility costs driven by factors such as wildfire mitigation and grid hardening, has compounded the rate increases faced by consumers.
Analysts point out that while rooftop solar installations offer potential savings for consumers, the system has failed to adapt to the increasing solar capacity. As a result, the savings per solar panel have not kept pace with rising electricity prices, leading to a cost shift onto non-solar customers.
According to estimates, this cost shift amounts to billions of dollars annually, with PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E customers collectively bearing the brunt. The impact is particularly significant for residential customers, who have seen their rates increase at a faster rate than commercial and industrial customers over the past decade.
Addressing the issue requires a multifaceted approach, including policy reforms, investment in grid infrastructure, and transparent discussions among stakeholders. While recent changes in solar compensation represent a step in the right direction, further action is needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of California’s energy system amidst escalating rate trends and mounting challenges posed by climate change.