Electricity Rates in San Francisco, CA
Average electricity cost, utility comparison, and solar savings potential for San Francisco homeowners.
San Francisco Electricity Cost Overview
The average residential electricity rate in San Francisco, CA is $0.28 per kWh, which is 75% above the national average of $0.16/kWh. Homeowners in San Francisco pay an average of $256 per month for electricity, based on typical usage of 913 kWh per month.
Electricity rates in San Francisco are determined by the local utility providers that serve the area. Rates can vary depending on your specific utility, usage level, and time of use. Since California has a deregulated electricity market, San Francisco residents can shop for competitive rates from alternative suppliers.
Electric Utilities Serving San Francisco
| Utility Company | Avg Rate ($/kWh) | Est. Monthly Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) | $0.30 | $274 |
| Southern California Edison (SCE) | $0.27 | $247 |
| San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) | $0.32 | $292 |
Compare & Shop Electricity Rates in San Francisco
California has a deregulated electricity market, which means San Francisco residents can choose their electricity supplier. You're not limited to the default utility rate — you can shop for the cheapest electric rates from competing suppliers while your local utility still handles delivery.
How to Find the Lowest Rates in San Francisco
- Compare suppliers: Check your state's Public Utilities Commission website for a list of approved electricity suppliers serving San Francisco.
- Fixed vs. variable rates: Fixed-rate plans lock in your price per kWh for the contract term. Variable rates may start lower but can increase with market conditions.
- Watch for fees: Some plans include early termination fees or monthly service charges that offset a low per-kWh rate.
- Consider solar: Instead of switching suppliers every year, solar panels let you generate your own electricity at a fixed cost for 25+ years — often cheaper than any supplier rate.
The current average rate in San Francisco is $0.28/kWh. By comparing suppliers or adding solar, many homeowners reduce their monthly bill from $256 to under $77 per month.
How Solar Compares to San Francisco Electricity Rates
Without Solar
- Monthly bill: $256
- Annual cost: $3,072
- 25-year cost: $76,800
- Rate trend: Rising 2-5% annually
With Solar
- Monthly savings: $243
- Annual savings: $2,916
- 25-year savings: $50,000
- Rate: Locked in for 25+ years
Electricity Rates FAQ - San Francisco, CA
The average residential electricity rate in San Francisco is $0.28 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is 75% above the national average of $0.16/kWh. The average monthly electric bill for San Francisco homeowners is approximately $256.
With solar panels, San Francisco homeowners can reduce their electricity costs by approximately 95%, saving around $243 per month or $50,000 over 25 years. The 30% federal tax credit further reduces the upfront cost of going solar.
The major electric utilities serving the San Francisco area include Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). Rates vary between providers, so your exact cost depends on your utility and usage level.
Yes, electricity rates in San Francisco and across California have been increasing, following national trends of 2-5% annual increases. This makes solar panels an increasingly attractive option since they lock in your energy costs for 25+ years.
Yes! California has a deregulated electricity market, so San Francisco residents can compare and switch electricity suppliers to find the lowest rates. Your local utility (Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)) still delivers power, but you choose who supplies it. Compare fixed-rate and variable-rate plans, and consider solar panels for the lowest long-term electricity cost.
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