Compare San Diego Electricity Rates and Companies

San Diego, Texas, has an average electricity rate of 14.7 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), based on data from 127 electricity plans listed by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). This rate is lower than the statewide average rate of 15.32 cents per kWh, as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) for December 2024. In this guide, we compare the best San Diego electricity companies, reviewing their energy rates and plan features to help you make an informed decision.

Today’s San Diego Electricity Rates

Although San Diego has a population of less than 4,000, there are many types of electricity plans. Our energy experts recommend fixed-rate plans with 12-month contract terms because they provide two key advantages: predictable electricity costs and the opportunity to switch your plan every year. Other electricity plans offer “benefits,” such as bill credits of over $100 or free energy periods, but they usually have high rates hidden in the fine print. While you may save if you earn the bill credit, your rate can be well over 20 cents per kWh if your usage doesn’t meet the bill credit requirements.

Use the table below to compare our picks for the best energy plans in San Diego. While you may find lower rates in the market, the plans below offer predictable power bills for their entire contract term. You may find affordable fixed rates from other energy companies not included below, but this list is a useful starting point.

The rates in the above table are updated daily for the AEP Texas Central service area. Monthly bill estimates are for 1,000 kWh usage.

Cheapest Electricity Rates in San Diego

Here, we compare the San Diego electricity plans with the lowest rates overall. However, these are all bill credit plans, which offer low rates only when your consumption reaches 1,000 kWh per month. For example, Gexa Energy and Frontier Utilities offer bill credit plans with rates of 10.8 cents per kWh in San Diego, but this only applies at 1,000 kWh per month. At lower consumption levels, you can expect to pay over 21 cents per kWh.

At Home Energy Club, we don’t normally recommend bill credit plans due to their unpredictable pricing. You may achieve savings with these plans, but only if your monthly consumption is consistently within the bill credit range. Since home energy usage varies with the seasons, earning bill credits every month is unlikely.

The rates in the above table are updated daily for the AEP Texas Central service area. Monthly bill estimates are for 1,000 kWh usage.

How To Choose an Electricity Plan in San Diego

Generally, you can save on power bills by selecting an affordable fixed-rate plan, but other plan types can be viable in specific cases. Here is a simple three-step process that can help you find a suitable electricity plan:

1) Understand Your Monthly Electricity Consumption

San Diego electricity plans display their average rates at three consumption levels: 500 kWh, 1,000 kWh and 2,000 kWh. To compare plans more effectively, you must first have a clear picture of your electricity usage. If you keep a record of your monthly power bills, you can check your kilowatt-hour consumption over the past 12 months. Alternatively, you can check your historical energy usage at Smart Meter Texas.

2) Consider the Rate, Contract Length and Features of Each Plan

Our energy experts recommend fixed-rate plans with straightforward prices and no hidden fees. We advise against choosing plans with variable monthly rates, tiered rates, time-of-use rates or any other features that can make your power bills unpredictable. However, you may benefit from plan features such as 100% green energy or solar buyback rates, which are often available along with fixed rates. We also recommend starting a 12-month contract in spring or fall since this is when electricity rates are usually lowest in San Diego.

3) Sign Up for Your New Electricity Plan

Starting a new electricity plan or switching your current provider is easy with Home Energy Club. You can sign up online or over the phone in five minutes or less. We’ll just need some information, including your contact details, service address and start date. Depending on the provider you choose, we may need other details. Many electricity plans also require a credit check and, in some cases, a security deposit. Before signing up for a new energy plan, check your current contract to be aware of any cancellation fees.

Plan Types Available in San Diego

As of March 2025, the PUCT Power To Choose website lists 127 electricity plans for San Diego, with additional options available on Home Energy Club. However, most electricity plans in Texas fall into six general categories:

• Fixed-rate plans: Your electricity rate gets locked in for the entire contract term, but you’ll owe a cancellation fee if you end the plan early.
• Variable-rate plans: You can switch the plan at any time without penalties. However, your electricity rate can change month-by-month, making your power bills unpredictable.
• Bill credit plans: These plans offer bill credits and low rates if your energy usage stays within a specified range. However, you pay higher rates outside of the bill credit range.
• Time-of-use plans: These plans apply different rates depending on the hour. They usually charge low rates during low-demand hours and high rates during peak-demand hours.
• Green energy plans: Most electricity plans in San Diego contain less than 35% renewable energy, but some providers offer 100% green energy options.
• No-deposit or prepaid plans: You pay for electricity in advance, and the provider subtracts your daily consumption from your balance. There is no monthly billing cycle or security deposit.

Customer benefits and features are also available for multiple plan types. Some common perks include autopay, paperless billing, solar buyback rates and discounted EV charging schedules. These features are sometimes bundled with fixed-rate plans, which means you can use them without assuming the risk of unpredictable rates.

Top San Diego Energy Companies

At Home Energy Club, we developed a scoring methodology for reviewing Texas electricity providers, which considers key areas such as customer service and online experience. Here are four electricity companies with scores of 4 out of 5 stars or higher, which also offer fixed rates below 17 cents per kWh in San Diego, Texas:

• Frontier Utilities
• Gexa Energy
• 4Change Energy
• Rhythm Energy

All these providers offer fixed-rate plans, but keep in mind that they also offer less predictable options. Below, you can compare many of the other top-rated electricity providers in San Diego.

What To Know About Electricity In San Diego?

Choosing an electricity plan in Texas can be a challenge, especially if you recently moved to the state. We recommend fixed-rate plans, which often come with additional perks such as 100% green energy or solar buyback rates. Here are some general guidelines that can be helpful when comparing electricity plans in San Diego:

Check the Electricity Facts Label: The Blueprint of an Energy Plan

The electricity facts label (EFL) is a document that provides detailed information about an energy plan: rates, benefits, contract length and other key features. In Texas, the PUCT requires all electricity providers to publish an EFL for each of their plans. Energy providers often advertise their best rates and features, but their EFLs contain the “fine print,” which includes all fees, such as the energy charge, base charge, utility delivery fees, and any other relevant costs. You can rule out plans with hidden fees and unfavorable terms by simply reading their EFLs.

Consider the Early Termination Fee (ETF) of Each Plan

Fixed-rate plans lock your electricity price for their entire contract term. They also typically include an early termination fee (ETF) — a financial penalty if you cancel or switch the plan early. Some San Diego energy providers have a flexible ETF based on the months left in your contract. For example, 4Change Energy and Express Energy have a cancellation fee of $20 per remaining month. Other electricity providers charge a flat ETF regardless of the months left, which can range from less than $100 to around $400.

Beware Free Nights and Free Weekends Plans: Read the Fine Print

Some electricity plans advertise “free nights” or “free weekends” but usually charge very high rates outside of their free periods. These plans often come with daytime or weekday rates above 25 cents per kWh, as disclosed in the EFL. Even if you use most of your electricity during the free periods, keep in mind that some appliances, such as refrigerators and HVAC systems, operate 24/7. We don’t usually recommend “free nights and free weekends” plans since they can surprise you with very high bills.

Wait for Spring or Fall to Switch Your Electricity Plan

Texas has a competitive electricity market, influenced by seasonal changes in supply and demand. Electricity rates are typically highest in summer due to the high power consumption of air conditioners. Rates also increase in winter due to space heating, but to a lesser extent since not all homes use electric heating. We recommend starting a fixed-rate plan in spring or fall when energy prices are usually lower, thanks to the mild weather.

If you’re moving to San Diego or any city with deregulated electricity, we recommend comparing energy plans as soon as you have a move-in date. Most electricity providers offer same-day service, but you are less likely to find affordable rates if you wait until the last minute. If you’re moving between two addresses with deregulated electricity, you have the option to switch any plan without paying its cancellation fees.

How Does Deregulated Energy Work in San Diego?

Deregulated electricity can be a confusing concept if you’re new to Texas. In a deregulated market, you have the power to choose your retail electricity provider (REP), which is the company that supplies energy for your home. However, you also depend on a transmission and distribution utility (TDU), also known as the “poles and wires” company. The local utility delivers electricity from your chosen provider to your home or business, adding a delivery fee to your monthly power bill.

There may be dozens of light companies in a given ZIP code, but there is only one utility in charge of the grid. In other words, you can choose a light company such as Frontier Utilities or Gexa Energy, but where you live in the state determines your utility company. Texas divides its deregulated energy market into six service areas, each with a different utility.

While Texas has a deregulated energy market, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manage power grid operations. The PUCT is the regulating agency that sets the rules for the Texas energy market. ERCOT is the system operator that coordinates all power plants, utility companies and energy retailers.

Which Utility Company serves San Diego?

AEP Texas Central is the TDU or “poles and wires” company that serves San Diego. Regardless of your electricity plan, AEP Texas adds the following delivery charges to your monthly bills:

• Base Charge: $3.21 per month, regardless of energy usage
• Delivery Charge: 5.9908 cents per kWh

Frequently Asked Questions About Electricity Rates in San Diego

How much is electricity per kWh in San Diego, Texas?

As of March 2025, the average electricity rate in San Diego is around 14.7 cents per kWh, with market prices ranging from less than 11 cents to over 23 cents per kWh.

What are the peak hours in San Diego, Texas?

Texas electricity rates tend to spike during summer afternoons and evenings, especially on the hottest days of July and August. This increase often happens because people are returning home, switching on appliances, and running their air conditioners to compete with excessively high ambient temperatures to keep homes comfortable. However, you can avoid these price hikes by signing up for a fixed-rate plan in spring or fall, when rates are typically lower.

What is the average electric bill in San Diego, Texas?

The average residential consumption in Texas is 1,146 kWh per month, according to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. At the San Diego average rate of 14.7 cents per kWh, the estimated monthly bill is $168. However, this figure can vary depending on the season and your usage habits.

How can I lower my electricity bill in San Diego?

Every home has a unique energy consumption profile, but four energy-saving strategies can be effective in most cases:

• Switch to a fixed-rate electricity plan with a lower rate.
• Upgrade to ENERGY STAR-certified home appliances.
• Install a smart thermostat to optimize your air conditioner and space heater.
• Install a solar panel system to generate your own electricity.

How We Rate and Review Texas Electricity Companies

With dozens of providers and hundreds of plans available in the deregulated Texas market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. We created a comprehensive rating methodology to help you cut through the complexity and find the best electricity plan for your needs, whether you’re moving to Texas or looking to switch providers.

We’ve researched dozens of Texas electricity providers and scored them out of 5 stars based on results from our 2025 energy survey of 1,600 Texans, scoring providers on customer satisfaction, experience and retention. Here’s how these core factors weighed into our ratings:

• Customer satisfaction (30%)
• Customer retention (30%)
• Online experience (20%)
• Customer experience (20%)