SDG&E Wins State Approval To Eliminate Summertime High Usage Charges

San Diego CA

05 March, 2021

6:17 PM

Description

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego March 5, 2021 The California Public Utilities Commission voted Thursday to end a high usage charge that often kicked in for San Diego Gas & Electric customers during hot summer months. SDG&E had fought to end the state-mandated High Usage Charge — a substantially higher price for electricity at 400% of normal usage — that was established in 2017 to encourage energy conservation. The special charge caused bills to spike for tens of thousands of SDG&E customers during heat waves when air-conditioning is essential. "We heard from our customers loud and clear that they felt strongly the High Usage Charge was punitive and unfair, particularly for those who live in hotter climate zones and by necessity, use more energy for cooling during summer months," said Scott Crider, SDG&E's chief customer officer. "By eliminating the charge, our customers have one less thing to worry about during these difficult times and can get some relief," he added. Removal of the charge affects about 312,000 customers who are on traditional tiered pricing plans, which charge customers solely based on the amount of energy they use, not when they use energy. In Thursday's decision, the Public Utilities Commission determined that the special charge was failing in its original purpose to encourage customers to conserve electricity. Times of San Diego is an independent online news site covering the San Diego metropolitan area. Our journalists report on politics, crime, business, sports, education, arts, the military and everyday life in San Diego. No subscription is required, and you can sign up for a free daily newsletter with a summary of the latest news.