The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued its 2024-2027 General Rate Case (GRC) Proposed Decision for SDG&E on October 18, 2024.
SDG&E’s GRC request outlines the company’s blueprint for future investments in modernizing and upgrading infrastructure to support California’s clean energy transition. It also emphasizes the importance of safe and reliable operations and maintenance of the region’s electric and gas systems.
Thorough Review and Stakeholder Engagement
The CPUC conducted a thorough, exhaustive and transparent stakeholder engagement process with several opportunities for the public to weigh in as part of its review of this GRC. This process began in May of 2022.
The next step is a comment period where intervenors and the public will have the opportunity to weigh in on the Proposed Decision – which could change before the Commission’s final vote. We expect this process to take at least a month or longer.
Delivering Safe and Reliable Energy While Focused on Affordability
SDG&E is committed to modernizing and upgrading the infrastructure critical to California’s clean energy transition, helping to enhance and maintain the safe and reliable operation of our electric and gas systems for all our customers.
We understand that energy costs are a significant part of every household and business budget, which is why we are actively working to reduce operating expenses and pass those savings on to customers. We’re also collaborating with policymakers to explore strategies that can help lower energy bills across California.
For customers facing difficulties in paying their bills, SDG&E encourages reaching out or visiting sdge.com/assistance to explore bill payment assistance, discounts and debt relief programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a General Rate Case?
California’s regulated utilities like SDG&E are required to submit a general rate case application with the California Public Utilities Commission every four years to satisfy their responsibility to provide clean, safe and reliable energy services to customers. A General Rate Case covers a variety of costs such as day-to-day operations and maintenance, infrastructure projects and upgrades, vehicle fleet for crews to respond to customer service requests, a skilled labor force, and equipment such as wires, pipes, poles, transformers, substations and more.
What are the expected impacts to customers’ bills?
Customers’ bill impacts won’t be known until the CPUC approves the final plan.
Why are you making the request to raise customer prices?
SDG&E aims to strike the right balance by holding down costs while making essential infrastructure investments to enhance and maintain safety and enable the clean energy transition. We are focused on addressing energy affordability while building a safer, stronger energy system that can withstand climate threats and accommodate a growing amount of renewable energy, battery storage and electrified transportation and buildings as California aims to reach carbon neutrality by 2045.
Where can I learn more about the Proposed Decision and what it means to me?
The California Public Utilities Commission released a fact sheet on its Proposed Decision that provides additional information about the process and the CPUC’s role in approving customer prices.