SDG&E rate hike proposal could raise customers' monthly bills by about $22

"Our residents are already paying some of the highest housing costs in America."

San Diego households already dealing with high living expenses may soon face an additional $22 on their monthly utility bills under a proposal from San Diego Gas & Electric. Residents and local officials are pushing back.

Here's what to know

According to ABC 10 News, SDG&E is asking for an 8.6% rate increase for residential customers. If approved, the utility says a typical electricity bill would go up by about $14 each month, with natural gas costs adding another $8.

For Mike Rodriguez, rent and family expenses already stretch his household budget thin.

"I cannot afford it, I got kids, I got family, and there's a lot of people I see struggling sometimes we can't afford paying the bill we get behind because all these bills, we pay rent, I pay real high rent," Rodriguez told 10 News.

More background

San Diego public advocate Shane Harris said residents are already contending with some of the highest housing costs in the country. He added that many are also paying more for groceries, insurance, gas, and child care.

In response to affordability concerns, SDG&E said maintaining safe and reliable service requires additional revenue to cover needed operations.

What's being done?

San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, school board representatives, and San Diego City Council members joined Harris outside SDG&E's headquarters for a demonstration he organized.

They also delivered a signed letter urging the utility to reconsider the increase.

"We know our customers are concerned about affordability, and we take those concerns very seriously. We're focused on controlling our costs, operating more efficiently, and finding ways to help keep customer bills as manageable as possible, while continuing to provide safe, reliable energy," an SDG&E spokesperson said in a statement, according to 10 News.

The California Public Utilities Commission will make the final decision after reviewing the request.

Where can I learn more?

The opposition to SDG&E's proposal comes as utility costs remain a major issue across California.

• California launched its first utility oversight overhaul in 19 years amid affordability concerns.

• Southern California Edison customers could pay hundreds of millions more after wildfire legislation stalled.

• Los Angeles residents reported electric bills reaching $1,000 as heat waves increased air-conditioning use.

• A Los Angeles family's $3,300 power bill sparked a petition over electricity costs.