Electricity Costs Are Climbing — Fast
If you’ve noticed your PG&E bill creeping up, you’re not imagining it. California electricity rates have increased by an average of 8% per year over the past decade, and 2026 is no exception.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
| Year | Average PG&E Rate (per kWh) | Annual Cost (1,000 kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $0.23 | $2,760 |
| 2023 | $0.32 | $3,840 |
| 2025 | $0.38 | $4,560 |
| 2026 | $0.41 | $4,920 |
| 2021 | $0.23 | $2,760 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $0.32 | $3,840 |
| 2025 | $0.38 | $4,560 |
| 2026 | $0.41 | $4,920 |
| 2023 | $0.32 | $3,840 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $0.38 | $4,560 |
| 2026 | $0.41 | $4,920 |
| 2025 | $0.38 | $4,560 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $0.41 | $4,920 |
That’s nearly $2,200 more per year compared to just five years ago for an average Bakersfield household.
Why Rates Keep Rising
Several factors drive PG&E’s rate increases:
- Wildfire liability costs passed to ratepayers
- Grid infrastructure upgrades across California
- Regulatory compliance with state clean energy mandates
- General inflation in materials and labor
How Solar Protects You
When you install solar panels, you essentially lock in your electricity rate at today’s cost:
- Fixed monthly payments with solar financing (often lower than your current bill)
- No exposure to future PG&E rate increases
- 25-year panel warranty means decades of predictable costs
- Battery storage adds protection against time-of-use rate spikes
The Math: Solar vs. PG&E Over 25 Years
For a home using 1,000 kWh/month:
- Without solar: ~$175,000 in electricity costs (assuming 6% annual increases)
- With solar: ~$45,000 total system cost (after tax credits) + minimal grid charges
- Net savings: $120,000+
Real Example: The Martinez Family
The Martinez family in Southwest Bakersfield was paying $380/month to PG&E. After installing an 8.6 kW system with Discount Solar:
- Monthly solar payment: $165/month
- Monthly PG&E bill: $12/month (grid connection fee)
- Total monthly cost: $177/month
- Monthly savings: $203
- Annual savings: $2,436
Don’t Wait for Rates to Climb Higher
Every month you wait, PG&E rates go up while solar installation costs remain stable. The best time to switch was yesterday — the second best time is today.
Get your free estimate and see exactly how much you’ll save with Discount Solar Solutions.
