Electric utilities
Identify the utility that provides electricity delivery and operates the local distribution system.
Explore California utilities →California Electricity Providers & Utilities
Understand California electricity utilities, Community Choice Aggregators, electricity rates, Time-of-Use plans and renewable energy options for your service area.
PG&E
SCE
SDG&E
Community Choice Aggregators
Time-of-Use rates
Renewable electricity
Explore California Electricity Rates →
Find electricity information
Enter your California ZIP code to identify the electricity service area and explore available utility and energy information.
California electricity service varies by location. Always verify the utility, applicable rate plan, current pricing, eligibility and program terms before making an enrollment decision.
3
Major investor-owned electric utilities
CCA
Community electricity procurement option
TOU
Time-of-Use pricing is common
ZIP
Service and rates vary by location
California electricity guide
Start with the electricity information you need
California's electricity market is different from states where residential customers can freely shop among competing retail suppliers. Your service territory determines which utility, CCA or other electricity procurement options may apply.
Community Choice Aggregation
Some California communities participate in CCAs that procure electricity for eligible customers.
Learn about CCAs →Time-of-Use rates
Many California customers are served under rate structures where electricity prices vary according to the time of day.
Compare rate structures →Renewable electricity
Renewable electricity may be available through utilities, CCAs and other eligible energy programs.
Learn about renewable options →
California electric utilities
Which utility serves your California address?
California electricity service is divided among investor-owned utilities, publicly owned utilities and other local electricity providers. Your address determines which utility and rate schedules apply.
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
PG&E provides electric distribution service across a large portion of Northern and Central California. Applicable rates and programs depend on the customer's location and account type.
Visit PG&E Website →Southern California Edison (SCE)
SCE provides electric delivery service throughout a large portion of Southern and Central California. Customers may also encounter CCA procurement programs.
Visit SCE Website →San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)
SDG&E provides electricity delivery service across the San Diego region and parts of southern Orange County. Rates and programs vary by customer and service location.
Visit SDG&E Website →
How the California market works
California electricity can involve separate procurement and delivery
Understanding who procures electricity and who delivers it is important when comparing California electricity costs.
Electricity delivery
The electric utility serving your address generally operates the local distribution system, delivers electricity and handles grid-related services.
Electricity procurement
Depending on location and eligibility, electricity procurement may involve the utility, a Community Choice Aggregator or an eligible Direct Access provider.
Your electricity bill
A California electricity bill can include generation or procurement costs, delivery charges, transmission, distribution, public-purpose charges and other applicable fees.
California electricity rates
Compare California electricity rate structures
There is no single statewide residential electricity rate. Pricing depends on the utility, service territory, customer class, rate plan, usage and time of day.
● Rate information:
September 2026
| Utility / Provider | Electricity option | Rate | Pricing structure | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
PG&E
California electric utility
|
Utility electricity service |
Varies
/kWh
|
Rate-plan specific | Utility | View |
|
Southern California Edison
California electric utility
|
Utility electricity service |
Varies
/kWh
|
Rate-plan specific | Utility | View |
|
SDG&E
California electric utility
|
Utility electricity service |
Varies
/kWh
|
Rate-plan specific | Utility | View |
|
Community Choice Aggregation
Participating California communities
|
Community electricity procurement |
Varies
/kWh
|
Program specific | CCA | Learn |
|
Direct Access
Eligible California customers
|
Competitive electricity procurement |
Varies
/kWh
|
Eligibility / contract specific | Limited | Learn |
Rates shown as "Varies" should not be treated as current prices. Always verify the applicable utility rate schedule, customer class, usage, Time-of-Use periods, procurement provider and other charges before publishing or making an enrollment decision.
California electricity plans
Understand the main California electricity options
California electricity pricing is generally determined by the customer's utility, service territory, customer class and selected rate structure.
Utility Electricity Service
Standard utility service
Varies
by utility
Utility
Service
TOU
Often applicable
Location
Specific
- Available according to the customer's service territory
- Utility maintains the local distribution system
- Rate depends on customer class and selected rate plan
- Time-of-Use pricing may apply
Community Choice Aggregation
Local electricity procurement
Varies
by program
Local
Government
CCA
Procurement
Utility
Delivery
- Available only in participating communities
- CCA generally procures electricity for participating customers
- The investor-owned utility generally continues delivery
- Renewable content varies by program
Time-of-Use Rate
Pricing based on time of day
Varies
by schedule
Time
Matters
Peak
Higher periods
Usage
Dependent
- Electricity prices vary during different periods
- Applicable schedules depend on utility and customer type
- Shifting usage can affect electricity costs
- Review current peak and off-peak periods carefully
Renewable Electricity
Clean-energy procurement options
Varies
by program
Renewable
Content
Program
Dependent
Utility
Territory
- Renewable electricity may be available through multiple programs
- Renewable content varies by electricity provider or program
- Community Choice Aggregators may offer different renewable mixes
- Review renewable-energy disclosures before enrolling
California electricity guide
Check My ZIP Code
How electricity service works in California
California electricity service can involve separate electricity procurement and delivery. The exact arrangement depends on your utility territory, community, customer type and eligibility.
Check My ZIP Code
Step 1
Identify your electric utility
Determine which utility or publicly owned electric provider serves your address.
Step 2
Check for a CCA
Some California communities participate in Community Choice Aggregation programs that procure electricity for eligible customers.
Step 3
Review your rate plan
Check the applicable rate schedule, including Time-of-Use periods and fixed or recurring charges.
Step 4
Compare electricity usage
Your electricity consumption and the timing of that consumption can have a major effect on your total bill.
Step 5
Review renewable options
If renewable electricity matters to you, compare the renewable content and disclosures of available programs.
Before changing plans
Six things to check before choosing a California electricity option
Confirm which California utility or electricity service entity serves your address.
Check the exact rate schedule that applies to your account.
Review peak, off-peak and other applicable time-based pricing periods.
Determine whether electricity is procured by the utility, a CCA or another eligible provider.
Compare renewable-energy content and program disclosures.
Look beyond the energy rate and consider delivery, fixed charges and other applicable costs.
Find California electricity information
Start with your ZIP code to identify the electricity service area and explore applicable utility and energy options.
California electricity FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Learn how California utilities, Community Choice Aggregators, electricity rates and renewable energy programs work.
Who are the major electricity providers in California?
Major investor-owned electric utilities include
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California
Edison (SCE) and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E).
California also has numerous publicly owned
utilities and Community Choice Aggregators.
Can I choose my electricity provider in California?
California is not a traditional residential
retail electricity-shopping market. Most
residential customers do not freely choose
among competing electricity suppliers.
Depending on location, electricity procurement
may involve the utility or a Community Choice
Aggregator. Eligible customers may also have
access to Direct Access.
What is a Community Choice Aggregator?
A Community Choice Aggregator, or CCA, is a
local government entity or group of local
governments that procures electricity for
participating customers. The investor-owned
utility generally continues to provide delivery
and maintain the distribution system.
Who delivers electricity in California?
Electricity delivery depends on the customer's
service territory. Major investor-owned utilities
include PG&E, Southern California Edison and
SDG&E, while publicly owned utilities serve
many other California communities.
What are Time-of-Use electricity rates?
Time-of-Use rates charge different prices during
different periods of the day. The exact schedule
depends on the utility, rate plan, customer type
and service territory.
Does California have competitive electricity suppliers?
California has a limited Direct Access market
for eligible customers, primarily certain
non-residential customers. Most residential
customers do not shop freely among competitive
electricity suppliers.
Are California electricity rates fixed?
California electricity pricing depends on the
applicable utility rate schedule and customer
circumstances. Some charges can be fixed while
electricity usage charges can vary according to
the rate plan and time of day.
Can I get renewable electricity in California?
Renewable electricity may be available through
utilities, Community Choice Aggregators and
other eligible renewable-energy programs.
Renewable content and pricing vary by program.
How much does electricity cost in California?
Electricity costs vary significantly by utility,
service territory, customer class, usage and
rate plan. Time-of-Use pricing can also affect
the cost depending on when electricity is consumed.
How do I compare California electricity rates?
Start by identifying the utility serving your
address. Then review the applicable rate plan,
Time-of-Use periods, usage charges, fixed charges,
electricity procurement arrangement, renewable
content and other applicable costs.
Electricity pricing disclosure: California electricity pricing varies by utility, service territory, customer class, rate plan, electricity usage, time of day and procurement arrangement. Community Choice Aggregation and Direct Access availability also depends on location and eligibility. Information on this page is intended as a general guide. Always verify current utility rates, program terms, eligibility and applicable charges before making an enrollment or service decision.