The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved energy rate increases requested by San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) that will raise electricity bills for many San Diegians by up to 12 percent. Some customers of the utility company will be paying hundreds more per year for the same level of usage. It is estimated to cost homeowners and businesses over $500 million dollars more in total utility expenditures. Currently, San Diegans already pay the highest electric rates in the continental United States (only surpassed by Hawaii). The CPUC is the governing body that regulates the investor-owned utilities in the state of California, including SDG&E, which services nearly 3.4 million people across over 4,100 square miles. The rate hike can potentially cost consumers more than the expected 12 percent because of the fact that it is a retroactive increase, so SDG&E will need to earn the revenue dating back to 2012. The increase will begin to take effect September 1, 2013, one of the hottest months of the year. If you are a current homeowner and you want to free yourself from the increased electricity rates, solar energy is a perfect option for you. Solar is a smart option for property owners who have an electric bill around or over $100 a month. Solar power can in most cases instantly save you money, helps generate clean energy for your community and also keeps your house cooler by providing shade for your home. Many San Diego residents have jumped on the solar bandwagon and signed up to go solar through the Sullivan Cash Reward Program where homeowners receive .20 cents per watt, up to $1,500 cash back - on top of the 30 percent Federal Tax Credit. Sullivan Solar Power, San Diego’s top solar power firm per California Solar Initiative data, has created and is administering this rebate. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a complimentary site evaluation, please call 1.800.SULLIVAN (1-800-785-5482) or visit www.SullivanSolarPower.com for more information.
