Electricity Rates in California

Electricity Rates, Plans & Statistics

Electricity Companies & Statistics in California

Population
39,538,223
Total Production
197,142,729 MWh / 4.99 MWh per capita
Total Consumption
247,941,628 MWh / 6.27 MWh per capita
Total Production from Renewable
86,127,098 MWh / 2.18 MWh per capita
CO₂ Emissions from Consumption
61,295,683,056 kg / 1,550.29 kg per capita
Total Production from Non-Renewable
111,232,102 MWh / 2.81 MWh per capita

Average Residential Electricity Bills & Rates in California

California residential electric rates are highest in January and the highest average bill is in July.

Historical Electricity Rates:

50^th24.90¢Average residential price per kWh in the state of California

32^nd$131.98Average residential monthly electricity bill for California Residents

California Electricity Fuel Mix

MonthlyWe report production data as it is published. Due to reporting methods and timing, data from 2022 and 2021 may be incomplete. Data is released in full each fall for the previous calendar year. For clarification on any data points, please contact our team.

AnnualAnnual data for 2021 will be finalized in the fall of 2022. Until that time, some data may be incomplete. Data for 2022 is a summation of all information released to date, which may only represent a portion of the actual production that has occurred. For clarification on any data points, please contact our team.

California's Electricity Prices and Usage

Customers in California are faced with a higher residential electricity rate than many people in the United States, with an average state electric rate of 24.90 cents per kilowatt hour compared to the United States average price of 14.46 cents. California ranks as the 50th lowest priced state in the US by average electricity rate. The state features a deregulated electricity market, where citizens are able to choose from multiple electricity companies out of the over 60 providers that operate in the state. Southern California Edison is the largest electricity provider in the state based on megawatt hours sold. Customers in California experience 0.67 power outages a year with outages lasting an average of 48.58 minutes. The state is the 3rd largest electricity consuming state with consumption totaling over 247,900,000 megawatt hours. The state is ranked 4th highest in the nation in total electricity produced within its borders, with 197,142,728.75 megawatt hours produced.

Residential Electricity Providers in California

Provider	Service Type	Residential Rate (¢)	Residential Average Bill ($)	Residential Sales (MWh)	Residential Revenues ($)	State Production (MWh)
Southern California Edison	BUNDLED	25.31	129.79	20,393,815	5,162,112,000	4,874,557.73
Pacific Gas and Electric Company	BUNDLED	28.42	154.95	12,252,085	3,481,804,000	28,451,901.79
Los Angeles Department of Water & Power	BUNDLED	22.05	108.63	8,174,426	1,802,673,078	6,891,236
Clean Power Alliance	ENERGY	7.33	48.94	5,532,622	405,415,600
San Diego Gas and Electric	BUNDLED	34.68	127.35	4,627,724	1,605,088,595	2,101,317
Sacramento Municipal Utility District	BUNDLED	16.59	111.45	4,619,355	766,342,283	5,270,535.76
Marin Clean Energy	ENERGY	8.63	45.24	2,698,838	232,955,500
East Bay Community Energy	ENERGY	8.28	33.88	2,473,446	204,871,500
Imperial Irrigation District	BUNDLED	15.60	178.92	1,898,349	296,089,000	1,297,289
San Jose Clean Energy	ENERGY	8.87	41.87	1,790,192	158,804,900

Commercial Electricity Providers in California

Provider	Service Type	Commercial Rate (¢)	Commercial Average Bill ($)	Commercial Sales (MWh)	Commercial Revenues ($)	State Production (MWh)
Southern California Edison	BUNDLED	18.38	1,001.03	30,372,788	5,581,014,000	4,874,557.73
Los Angeles Department of Water & Power	BUNDLED	19.97	2,186.64	11,776,403	2,351,338,533	6,891,236
Pacific Gas and Electric Company	BUNDLED	28.35	870.17	7,652,584	2,169,578,000	28,451,901.79
Clean Power Alliance	ENERGY	7.06	377.32	4,028,620	284,510,100
Sacramento Municipal Utility District	BUNDLED	15.47	663.07	3,605,748	557,921,799	5,270,535.76
San Diego Gas and Electric	BUNDLED	28.84	870.37	2,596,769	748,941,138	2,101,317
Marin Clean Energy	ENERGY	8.07	329.9	2,559,920	206,534,200
East Bay Community Energy	ENERGY	7.83	320.68	2,408,600	188,538,300
San Jose Clean Energy	ENERGY	8.51	457.82	1,788,148	152,158,000
Peninsula Clean Energy	ENERGY	7.70	375.93	1,656,645	127,508,200

Power Plants in California

Plant	City/County	Primary Fuel Type	Production (MWh)	Emission (KG)	Emissions/MWh (KG/MWh)	Closing Date
Diablo CanyonPacific Gas and Electric Company (100.00%)	San Luis Obispo County	Nuclear	18,061,774			8/2025
Dynegy Moss Landing Power Plant HybridDynegy Energy Services (100.00%)	Monterey County	Natural Gas	4,888,697	1,836,726,445.68	375.71
Geysers Unit 5-20Calpine (100.00%)	Sonoma County	Geothermal	4,608,657
Delta Energy CenterCalpine (100.00%)	Pittsburg	Natural Gas	3,866,489	1,501,714,148.34	388.39
Elk Hills Power LLCCalifornia Resources Elk Hills LLC (68.09%)Elk Hills Power LLC (31.91%)	Kern County	Natural Gas	3,724,622	1,299,864,675.9	348.99
AES Huntington Beach Energy ProjectUllico Infrastructure Southland Borrower (35.00%)AES Corporation (65.00%)	Huntington Beach	Natural Gas	3,678,712	1,339,580,934.86	364.14
High Desert Power PlantMRP Generation Holdings, LLC (100.00%)	Victorville	Natural Gas	3,494,511	1,397,393,306.82	399.88
Los Medanos Energy CenterCalpine (100.00%)	Pittsburg	Natural Gas	3,346,436	1,185,681,466.06	354.31
Pastoria Energy Facility, LLCCalpine (100.00%)	Kern County	Natural Gas	3,295,158	1,241,001,079.22	376.61
AES Alamitos Energy CenterAES Corporation (100.00%)	Long Beach	Natural Gas	3,029,143	1,121,449,470.82	370.22

Quick Facts

California generates 56.42% of their electricity from non-renewable fuel sources. This equates to 2.81 megawatt hours per resident and places California as the 48th highest state for non-renewable generation per capita per year.

Solar power production in California has grown from 33,142,062.04 megawatt hours to 37,126,513.99 megawatt hours per year during the course of the previous year.

Ranking 8th in wind power production in the nation, California has a total yield of 15,468,337.25 megawatt hours from wind power.

California produces 0.94 megawatt hours per capita per year from solar power, giving the state a rank of 5th in the nation for this category.

California has achieved a reduction of 5.00% in the use of non-renewable fuels for electricity production during the course of the last year.

Wind generates 15,468,337.25 megawatt hours of electricity in California. This equals roughly 0.39 megawatt hours per person in California being produced from wind power, giving the state a rank of 24th highest in the nation in that category.

County	Population	Providers	Plants	Residential Rate (¢)	Residential Avg. Electric Bill
Alameda County	1,682,353	14	24	27.03	$117.35/mo
Alpine County	1,204	14		23.23	$102.04/mo
Amador County	40,474	10	5	28.70	$116.01/mo
Butte County	211,632	12	18	28.69	$116.00/mo
Calaveras County	45,292	10	5	28.70	$116.01/mo
Colusa County	21,839	10	2	28.70	$116.01/mo
Contra Costa County	1,165,927	11	23	28.18	$117.94/mo
Del Norte County	27,743	2		13.79	$123.31/mo
El Dorado County	191,185	15	13	26.47	$120.04/mo
Fresno County	1,008,654	13	63	28.21	$114.25/mo
Glenn County	28,917	10	2	28.70	$116.01/mo
Humboldt County	136,463	12	5	27.24	$120.36/mo
Imperial County	179,702	11	53	15.97	$175.96/mo
Inyo County	19,016	11	13	24.85	$103.78/mo
Kern County	909,235	12	166	26.74	$108.94/mo
Kings County	152,486	12	26	28.44	$115.07/mo
Lake County	68,163	10	2	28.70	$116.01/mo
Lassen County	32,730	11	5	21.63	$110.64/mo
Los Angeles County	10,014,009	21	169	24.66	$104.34/mo
Madera County	156,255	10	11	28.70	$116.01/mo
Marin County	262,321	11	3	27.38	$119.75/mo
Mariposa County	17,131	10	2	28.70	$116.01/mo
Mendocino County	91,601	11	2	28.69	$115.97/mo
Merced County	281,202	12	14	27.58	$116.86/mo
Modoc County	8,700	2		13.79	$123.31/mo
Mono County	13,195	14	7	24.90	$102.66/mo
Monterey County	439,035	12	14	26.91	$115.24/mo
Napa County	138,019	11	4	27.38	$119.75/mo
Nevada County	102,241	15	8	27.39	$112.93/mo
Orange County	3,186,989	13	26	26.47	$103.14/mo
Placer County	404,739	16	19	25.94	$118.70/mo
Plumas County	19,790	10	9	28.70	$116.01/mo
Riverside County	2,418,185	17	77	23.47	$116.21/mo
Sacramento County	1,585,055	11	36	18.45	$112.15/mo
San Benito County	64,209	11	2	27.05	$115.48/mo
San Bernardino County	2,181,654	18	109	24.57	$104.40/mo
San Diego County	3,298,634	11	66	33.74	$110.39/mo
San Francisco County	873,965	12	7	24.59	$131.52/mo
San Joaquin County	779,233	16	20	27.87	$118.02/mo
San Luis Obispo County	282,424	11	9	28.65	$116.05/mo
San Mateo County	764,442	12	5	26.85	$119.06/mo
Santa Barbara County	448,229	14	2	26.19	$113.02/mo
Santa Clara County	1,936,259	15	50	28.10	$116.80/mo
Santa Cruz County	270,861	11	3	26.71	$114.87/mo
Shasta County	182,155	14	35	27.16	$116.94/mo
Sierra County	3,236	14		24.88	$106.24/mo
Siskiyou County	44,076	2	5	13.79	$123.31/mo
Solano County	453,491	12	28	28.47	$116.95/mo
Sonoma County	488,863	11	17	28.69	$115.96/mo
Stanislaus County	552,878	12	14	24.36	$125.01/mo
Sutter County	99,633	10	6	28.70	$116.01/mo
Tehama County	65,829	10	5	28.70	$116.01/mo
Trinity County	16,112	1	3	9.38	$92.19/mo
Tulare County	473,117	12	30	25.74	$105.32/mo
Tuolumne County	55,620	12	15	28.34	$114.72/mo
Ventura County	843,843	11	10	24.88	$104.56/mo
Yolo County	216,403	11	5	27.32	$117.84/mo
Yuba County	81,575	10	3	28.70	$116.01/mo

In California, Natural Gas makes up 46.01% of the fuel sources utilized for electricity generation. Solar and Nuclear are also important fuel sources in the state, with 18.83% and 9.16% of total electricity generation being generated from each, respectively. The state is the 5th worst ranked state when it comes to total CO2 pollution, with the state consuming enough electricity to account for 61,295,683,056.11 kilograms of CO2 emissions. More telling of the state's emissions reality is the per resident CO2 totals. Currently that amount stands at 1,550.29 kilograms of CO2 emissions from electricity use, which results in the state ranking as the 51st highest state in the US for CO2 pollution released per capita. California has the highest amount of electricity generation plants of any state in the United States, with 1239 plants. This translates to the 22nd most plants per person in the United States.

NATURAL GAS

46.01%

SOLAR

18.83%

NUCLEAR

9.16%

CONVENTIONAL HYDROELECTRIC

8.41%

WIND

7.85%

OTHER

9.85%

California has 43 out of 63 electricity providers reporting that they offer net metering to residents with personal solar panels. At the state level, California has favorable regulations for consumers interested in investing in solar.

There are 32 electricity providers in California that reported energy loss. Together, these 32 providers average a yearly energy loss of 11.94% of electricity generated. The countrywide average is 2.76%, resulting in California receiving a rank of 51st best in the US for energy loss efficiency.

State governments can help encourage private citizens to consider installing solar panels by promoting tax incentives and rebates to their populace. California currently does not offer a state tax credit for solar panel installation at a private residence. The state has no all encompassing rebate program, but local rebates are available to many citizens who wish to install solar. Fortunately, California offers a 100% tax exemption to homeowners. at their place of residence. The state currently does not offer a sales tax exemption for the install of solar, leaving homeowners high and dry for this one.

Consumers who are shopping for electricity plans that use renewable sources will have much better luck if there are state level initiatives that encourage green energy usage. Many states require renewable fuels to make up a percentage of the fuel used for electricity generation by electricity companies in the state. These requirements are referred to as Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Electric suppliers in California are required to generate a minimum of 25% of their electricity using renewable energy sources. Furthermore, the state has a low income solar program in place to help low income households installing solar panels.

Learn about going solar in California, find out which system size is best for you, compare local installers and see which incentives are available in your area.

FAQ: Common Questions About Electricity in California

How many power plants are in California?

California is home to 1239 electricity plants producing electricity for the state.

Where does California get its electricity?

California's electricity is generated using primarily Natural Gas, which makes up 46.01% of the fuel used in the state. In addition, Solar makes up 18.83% and Nuclear makes up 9.16%.

What is a good electricity rate in California?

The average rate of electricity in California in 2022 is 24.90 cents per kilowatt hour (¢/kWh).

What electricity company is the largest provider in California?

By total megawatt hours sold, Southern California Edison is the largest electricity provider in California.

Does California have a deregulated electricity market?

Yes, the state has a deregulated electricity market. This means that consumers in the state can choose from multiple electricity companies to supply their electricity.

What is the average electric bill in California?

The average electricity bill in California in 2022 is $132 while the national average is $130.

How many electric companies offer service in California?

There are 63 electricity companies offering service in California.

What electricity companies offer service in California?

State Customers Rank	Provider	State Customers
1	Southern California Edison	3,800,955
2	Pacific Gas and Electric Company	2,170,020
3	Los Angeles Department of Water & Power	1,481,841
4	San Diego Gas and Electric	1,221,820
5	Sacramento Municipal Utility District	645,707
6	Imperial Irrigation District	160,262
7	Modesto Irrigation District	131,573
8	Anaheim Public Utilities	121,102
9	Riverside Public Utilities	111,157
10	Turlock Irrigation District	94,193

What is the cheapest electricity company in California?

Residential Rate Rank	Provider	Residential Rate (¢)	State Customers
1	Colorado River Indian Irr Proj	6.62	1,850
2	Trinity PUD	9.38	7,312
3	City of Industry Electricity	9.69	114
4	Needles Electric Company	10.07	2,948
5	City of Vernon Utilities	10.63	1,899
6	Sillicon Valley Power	13.56	57,264
7	PacifiCorp	13.79	45,837
8	Liberty Utilities	14.00	50,210
9	Azusa Light and Power	14.03	16,988
10	Biggs, California Electric Utility	14.39	746

Last Reviewed By: Nick Reese

Published: 2022-10-18