SRE · News · 20260806N

California Utility Affordability

SEMPRA · 2026-08-06 · Importance 51 · Surprise 64

San Diego Gas & Electric customers and local advocacy groups are pushing back against rising residential utility costs. Activists cited a 97% increase in SDG&E’s average residential rates over the past decade and called for lower bills, including replacing the investor-owned utility with a public-power provider. The reporting highlights customer affordability pressure in Sempra’s California utility market despite continued investment in safety and reliability.

Key facts

• Affordable energy advocates cited a 97% increase in SDG&E's average residential rates over the past decade during protests following Sempra's quarterly results. source
• Multiple local protests and activist rallies occurred in San Diego after Sempra reported nearly $800 million in profits, citing rising utility bills and affordability concerns. source