SDG&E General Rate Case (2028–2031)

 

A focused, disciplined plan to provide safe and reliable service while taking a disciplined approach to managing costs. 

SDG&E has filed its rate request for 2028-2031 with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), outlining a focused plan to safely operate, maintain and modernize the energy system, strengthen resilience and prepare for future customer needs.

What is a General Rate Case?

California’s regulated utilities like SDG&E are required to file a General Rate Case (GRC) with the CPUC every four years to seek approval for the funding needed to safely operate, maintain and modernize the energy system that serves our region. It is a transparent regulatory process that includes opportunities for public and stakeholder input before decisions are made. 

Why Does it Matter?

A safe, reliable and resilient energy system is essential to protecting the health, safety and daily lives of our customers and communities. 

This request supports the essential work needed to safely operate and maintain the electric and natural gas system, including meeting federal and state requirements and addressing rising costs outside the company's control, such as insurance, healthcare and cybersecurity. 

This proposal focuses on targeted investments to: 

wildfire
Reduce wildfire risk and reduce outage risk
system reliability
Maintain and improve system reliability and resilience
pipeline
Comply with federal and state requirements for natural gas system integrity and pipeline safety
cybersecurity
Strengthen cybersecurity and technology systems
Infrastructure
Modernize infrastructure and grid operations
customers
Support projected customer growth

These investments are focused on maintaining system performance today while strengthening the system for future needs, including a continued shift toward long-term, infrastructure-based solutions — such as undergrounding and covered conductor — to reduce wildfire risk, improve reliability and help avoid higher costs over time. 

Ultimately, this work is about delivering safe and reliable energy service while strengthening the system for the future. 

What is SDG&E Proposing?

This request is focused on core utility operations and the essential work needed to safely and reliably operate the electric and gas systems. It reflects a disciplined approach that limits investments to those needed for safety, reliability, compliance and customer service. These investments are designed to improve reliability and service performance across a system that includes more than 1,000 distribution circuits and over 24,000 miles of electric infrastructure, which must operate continuously to serve customers during normal operations and in high-demand or extreme conditions. 

SDG&E is requesting a 2028 revenue requirement of approximately $3.8 billion, representing a $280 million or 8.1% increase over 2027 estimated levels. If approved, a typical residential customer would see an average monthly electric bill increase of approximately $14.03, and a natural gas bill increase of approximately $8.45, resulting in an estimated overall combined bill impact of about 8.6%. View SDG&E's 2028 General Rate Case Application.

Before making this request, the company implemented targeted actions using new technology, process improvements and reengineering to improve efficiency and manage costs across its operation, including digital tools, automation, workforce planning and improved sourcing and procurement strategies. 

SDG&E's 2028 GRC reflects:
  • Continued focus on core utility operations
  • Continued discipline in managing costs
  • Targeted infrastructure improvements in safety, reliability and cybersecurity resilience
  • Strong emphasis on innovation and technology to improve customer value 

Managing Costs

SDG&E has taken a disciplined approach to managing costs while continuing to safely and reliably operate the system. SDG&E's approach to affordability starts with actions to improve efficiency and manage costs within the company's control. These actions include streamlining operations and limiting spending to necessary work for safety, reliability and compliance. SDG&E is also working with policymakers and regulators to address broader cost drivers that affect customer bills. 

How the Process Works

The General Rate Case has a rigorous and transparent CPUC review process. SDG&E's application will be reviewed by CPUC staff, consumer advocates, intervenors and the public. There is no immediate impact to customer bills, and SDG&E is seeking new rates to begin in 2028.

Keeping Customers Safe and the Lights on

This proposal reflects the balance between managing costs responsibly and continuing to provide safe, reliable service — supporting the investments needed to maintain service today and strengthen the system for the future.

Learn More About Your Bill

How the Public Can Participate

Customers can participate in the CPUC process through:
  • Public participation hearings
  • Providing input during the review process
  • Contacting the CPUC Public Advisor’s Office

The application will undergo a thorough public review process, including input from consumer advocates and stakeholders, before any decision is made.