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California · Updated August 2026
California electric rates in 2026
What every California utility actually charges, where the number comes from, and what it means for your bill.
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Every utility, side by side
What California homeowners pay
| Utility | All-in rate | Full breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Southern California Edison | ~34.4¢ | Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura, S… → |
| PG&E | ~33¢+ | San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno, Bake… → |
Figures as published August 2026. Each utility resets on its own schedule — check your bill for the rate on your account.
How California works
Why the number is what it is
California re-regulated after the 2000–01 energy crisis, so your utility is determined by your address. Rates are set through CPUC proceedings rather than wholesale auctions.
California residential rates average 33.25 cents, roughly 80% above the national average. Under NEM 3.0 net billing, exported power earns considerably less than retail — which makes storage matter more here than anywhere else.
The honest cost picture
Two ways to pay for solar
If you buy the system you own the equipment, keep any renewable credits, and carry maintenance. If you use a PPA it is $0 upfront — we install and own the system, you buy the power it produces, and you only pay for what it actually generates.
The residential federal tax credit (25D) ended for systems purchased after December 31, 2025.
You will still see ads promising a 30% credit that “ends December 31.” Read the date on them. What remains applies to the owner of the system — which, under a PPA, is us. SolarAmerica does not provide tax advice; talk to your tax professional.
Who you would be working with
SolarAmerica
Sources
Where these numbers come from
Every figure on this page is drawn from a public filing or a published rate schedule. We update it when the utility resets.
- California Public Utilities Commission — Decision 24-05-028 and rate case filings
- U.S. Energy Information Administration — Electric Power Monthly
- Utility advice letters and rate change notices
Last updated August 2026.
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