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California · Updated August 2026
Southern California Edison rates in 2026
What Southern California Edison customers are actually paying, where the number comes from, and what it means for your bill. Serving Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Bakersfield.
34.4¢SCE average residential rate, June 1, 2026Ranked #1 by Solar Power World · Inc. 5000 · 20,000+ installations
The numbers
Where Southern California Edison stands right now
| Measure | Current | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Average residential rate | 34.4¢ | Effective June 1, 2026 |
| January 1, 2026 | 34.5¢ | Down from about 35.3¢ |
| Base Services Charge | $24.15/mo | Fixed, non-CARE/FERA households |
| California residential average | 33.25¢ | About 80% above the national average |
Figures as published August 2026. Utility rates change on published schedules — check your own bill for the rate that applies to your account.
Why the number is what it is
What is actually driving this
Rates did not rise in 2026 — and that is not the point
SCE's 2026 rate adjustments actually moved slightly down, from about 35.3¢ in January to 34.4¢ in June. We would rather tell you that than pretend otherwise. What matters is the level, not the direction: at roughly 34 cents you are paying about 80% more than the national average of 18.4 cents.
Wildfire mitigation and grid hardening
The CPUC-approved cost drivers in SCE's rate case are wildfire mitigation, grid hardening and transmission — covered conductor, undergrounding, inspections and vegetation management. The 2025 rate case carried about a 9.1% bill impact for a typical 500 kWh customer, with additional base revenue increases authorized for 2026 through 2028.
The fixed charge changes the math
Since November 2025, California has moved part of grid costs into a fixed monthly Base Services Charge — $24.15 for most households under CPUC Decision 24-05-028. That portion of your bill cannot be offset by solar production.
The honest cost picture
Two ways to pay for solar, and they are very different
If you buy the system
You own the equipment, you keep any renewable energy credits, and you carry the maintenance responsibility. Installed pricing varies by roof, shading and system size.
If you use a PPA
$0 upfront. We install and own the system; you buy the power it produces at a rate set in your agreement, and you only pay for what it actually generates. The system owner carries maintenance for the life of the agreement.
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. If you buy a system today as a homeowner, you cannot claim that credit. 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 about your situation.
Who you would be working with
SolarAmerica
We design your system and manage the project; installation is performed by vetted licensed partners in your area.
Southern California Edison questions
The things people actually ask
Are SCE rates going up?
Not in 2026. SCE's rate adjustments moved slightly down this year, from about 35.3¢ in January to 34.4¢ in June. Longer term, base revenue increases are authorized through 2028. Anyone telling you a specific future rate is guessing.
What is NEM 3.0 and does it affect me?
California moved to net billing for new solar systems. Exported power earns considerably less than the retail rate, which means the value now comes from using your own production rather than selling it back. In practice that makes battery storage far more important in California than in states still on full retail net metering.
Does the fixed charge cancel out solar savings?
No, but it changes them. The $24.15 Base Services Charge is not offset by production, so your bill will not reach zero. Every kilowatt-hour you generate and use still displaces one you would have bought at roughly 34 cents.
See what your roof and Southern California Edison actually add up to
About 60 seconds. No cost, no obligation, and we will tell you if solar does not make sense for your home.
Ranked #1 by Solar Power World · 20,000+ installations · Licensed installers