08/07/2025
SDG&E AUGUST UPDATE;
PROVIDING EXTRA SUPPORT DURING PUBLIC SAFETY POWER SHUTOFFS
SDG&E is committed to providing all customers with accessible resources and services. So that SDG&E can better support those with accessibility needs, please complete their survey at sdge.com/AFN-Survey or email [email protected].
SDG&E is committed to providing all customers with accessible resources and services. Do you have a disability or use a medical device for health, safety or independence that requires electricity? Let SDG&E know at sdge.com/AFN-Survey.
Does SDG&E have your current contact information? To ensure you receive alerts, sign up for outage notifications at sdge.com/notifications.
During high-risk wildfire conditions, a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) may be used to help prevent potential wildfires. This is always a last resort and done to help protect the community. Learn more at sdge.com/PSPS.
CHANGES ARE COMING TO YOUR ELECTRIC BILL – LEARN WHAT’S NEW
This fall, your SDG&E® bill will show electric delivery charges in a new way. This is not an extra charge, rather it is a change in how your bill is structured.
Why is this happening?
California Assembly Bill 205 requires electric utilities across the state to change how residential customers are billed to help make bills more transparent, while making it more affordable to use electric technologies, such as cars and appliances.
What’s changing?
We’re updating how some existing costs appear on your bill. Starting soon, you’ll see a new line item called the Base Services Charge. Most customers will pay approximately $24 a month1. Customers enrolled in FERA and CARE will automatically receive a discounted Base Services Charge of approximately $12 and $6, respectively.
The Base Services Charge covers some of the fixed costs that were previously included in the electric delivery price like customer service, transformers and meters that help ensure safe, reliable electric delivery to your property. By moving some costs out of delivery pricing, you may pay about 10% less per kWh for the energy you use (roughly 5 cents per kWh on electric delivery)2. Each customer’s usage varies, so lower electricity prices may or may not lead to a lower total bill. Because this is a reallocation of costs, SDG&E will not earn more profit from this change.
To learn more, visit sdge.com/BaseServicesCharge or call 1-800-411-7343.
1 Base Services Charge may vary based on the number of days in the billing month. Most customers will pay between $22.22 – $26.18, and $11.11 – $13.10 for FERA customers and $5.52 – $6.51 for CARE customers. For details on how your Base Services Charge will be calculated, visit sdge.com/BaseServicesCharge.
2 Actual price reductions will vary depending on your rate plan, commodity provider, electricity usage and the rates effective at the time of Base Services Charge implementation.
Social Posts: CHANGES ARE COMING TO YOUR ELECTRIC BILL – LEARN WHAT’S NEW
New Bill Structure: Starting this fall, SDG&E will introduce a new line item called the Base Services Charge on your electric bill. It’s not an added fee, but a restructuring of existing charges. Get details at sdge.com/BaseServicesCharge.
Monthly Fixed Charge: Most customers will pay about $24/month, while those enrolled in FERA and CARE programs will receive discounted rates of $12 and $6, respectively. Get details at sdge.com/BaseServicesCharge.
Lower Energy Rates: By shifting some fixed costs out of per-kWh pricing, customers may see about a 10% reduction in electric delivery rates – though total bill impact will vary based on usage. Learn more at sdge.com/BaseServicesCharge.
ENERGY BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: HELP IS AVAILABLE
Managing energy bills can be challenging. But did you know that SDG&E offers several assistance programs to help customers reduce their energy costs and improve energy efficiency?
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program
The CARE program provides a 30% or more discount on monthly energy bills for eligible households. Eligibility is based on household size and income, or participation in certain public-assistance programs. Applying is quick and easy, with no documentation required. Find out if you qualify at sdge.com/CARE.
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program
FERA offers an 18% discount on electric bills for households that exceed CARE income limits but still meet FERA guidelines. Now, the eligibility criteria have changed from a minimum of three people in the household to just one! Learn more at sdge.com/FERA.
Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program
The ESA program provides no-cost, energy-efficient home improvements to income-qualified customers. Services and products may include attic insulation,
energy-efficient refrigerators, weatherstripping and more. The program aims to reduce energy use and help lower bills. Find details at sdge.com/ESA.
Medical Baseline Allowance
Customers with certain medical conditions may qualify for additional energy at the lowest rates through the Medical Baseline Allowance program. This helps offset the cost of operating medical equipment or maintaining necessary heating and cooling. Learn more at sdge.com/Medical.
Payment Arrangements
If you’re having trouble paying your energy bill, you can request an extension to help avoid interruptions to your service. Flexible payment arrangements are also available to help you pay down past-due balances. Learn more at sdge.com/PaymentArrangements.
Learn about these programs and more at sdge.com/assistance.
ENERGY BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: HELP IS AVAILABLE
Hardship can hit at any time – when it does, the last thing you need to worry about is your energy bill. Get help with your bill at sdge.com/assistance.
SDG&E offers assistance programs to help you with your monthly energy bill, which could include up to a 30% discount. Find out if you qualify at sdge.com/assistance.
Whether you rent or own, you could be eligible to receive no-cost, energy-efficient home improvements that can make your home more comfortable and help reduce your energy bill. Find out if you qualify at sdge.com/ESA.
You're Invited to a FREE Wildfire Safety Fair!
Join SDG&E and community partners for a fun and informative day focused on keeping you and your loved ones safe from wildfires.
Get expert wildfire-safety tips
Stock up on emergency essentials (while supplies last)
Enjoy live demos, music, kids' activities & more!
Multiple events are happening near you — find one at sdge.com/fairs
Upcoming wildfire safety fairs:
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Joan MacQueen Middle School
Address: 2001 Tavern Road, Alpine, CA 91901
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: Bates Nut Farm
Address: 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, CA 92082
STAY COOL, SAVE GREEN: ENERGY TIPS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
August heat can push energy use and costs higher. But with a few smart strategies, your business can stay cool, save money and support a more sustainable future. Here are 10 energy-saving tips to help you beat the heat and boost efficiency:
Shift energy use to off-peak hours: Run high-energy equipment before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m. when energy demand (and prices) can be lower.
Use fans strategically: Ceiling and portable fans can help circulate air and reduce the need for constant A/C. Just remember to turn them off when rooms are unoccupied. Fans cool people, not rooms!
Upgrade to ENERGY STAR® appliances: If you're replacing equipment, choose ENERGY STAR-rated models. They use less energy and often qualify for rebates.
Seal air leaks: Check for drafts around doors, windows and vents. Sealing leaks helps keep cool air in and hot air out.
Install motion sensors: In break rooms, restrooms and storage areas, motion-sensor lighting can cut down on unnecessary energy use.
Encourage unplugging: Ask employees to unplug chargers and devices at the end of the day to reduce phantom energy drain.
Check your pricing plan: Make sure your business is on the most cost-effective pricing plan. Visit sdge.com/MyBusiness to compare options.
Schedule an energy audit: Energy assessments can help identify savings opportunities tailored to your business.
Keep vents clear: Make sure furniture or equipment isn’t blocking air vents. This helps your HVAC system work more efficiently.
Promote a culture of conservation: Small actions add up. Encourage staff to power down, report energy waste and share ideas for saving.
Energy efficiency is good for your bottom line and the planet. For more tools, rebates, and personalized support, visit sdge.com/MyBusiness.
Actual savings obtained in each instance may vary and will depend on various factors, including geographic location, weather conditions, equipment installed, usage rates, and similar factors. Completing multiple energy-saving measures will not necessarily result in cumulative savings.
Example: Shift energy use to off-peak hours: Run high-energy equipment before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m. when energy demand (and prices) can be lower. Visit sdge.com/MyBusiness for more helpful energy-saving tips.
