Consumer groups formally challenge SDGE’s proposed 2028 rate increase
San Diego ratepayer advocates are formally pushing back on SDGE’s request to raise customer rates in 2028. Their protests ask regulators to scrutinize the utility’s spending plans, affordability impact, and whether lower-cost local energy options could reduce the need for some large infrastructure projects.
Published July 23, 2026. Based on KPBS reporting published July 21, 2026.
Utility Consumers’ Action Network and other ratepayer advocacy groups filed protests with the California Public Utilities Commission, moving their objections into the official rate-case record.
If the proposal were approved as filed, KPBS reports that an average monthly electric bill would rise by about $14 and an average natural gas bill by about $8 compared with 2027 estimates.
One protest calls for more consideration of local solar generation and storage as alternatives to some major transmission and wildfire-hardening investments.
Why advocates are challenging the request
Affordability is central to the challenge. KPBS cites a California Public Utilities Commission report finding that SDGE’s average residential electric rates rose 98% over the last decade and that about one in five residential customers are at least a month behind on their power bills.
SDGE is seeking permission to collect about $3.8 billion from customers in 2028. The utility says inflation, employee medical-benefit costs, safety, reliability, and wildfire-related expenses are among the reasons for the increase.
The protests do not decide the case. They allow consumer groups to intervene, hire experts, review SDGE’s application, and present evidence during the CPUC proceeding.
KPBS reports that SDGE has until July 30 to respond to the protests. The CPUC’s five commissioners will ultimately decide whether to approve, reduce, or otherwise change the request.
Read the full KPBS report
KPBS has the complete reporting, including comments from consumer advocates, SDGE, and the Protect Our Communities Foundation.
See the original rate request
Review SDGE’s requested increase, estimated bill impacts, and our bill-impact calculator.