Most of us in San Diego get our electricity from San Diego Community Power instead of SDG&E. You probably didn't even notice when this happened because SDG&E still delivers the power and still sends you the bill.
But there's a fee on your bill called the PCIA that just got a lot bigger. You're going to notice it.
What is this fee?
PCIA stands for Power Charge Indifference Adjustment. Funny name considering none of us are indifferent about paying more money.
Think of it like a gym membership. Years ago SDG&E signed long-term contracts to buy power for everyone. We're talking 10, 15, even 20 year deals. When we got moved to Community Power, we essentially left that gym and joined a new one. But SDG&E said we still owe them for the contracts they signed when we were their customer. The PCIA is how they collect that.[1]
Why can't they just cancel those old contracts? Because they're legally binding. The power plants on the other end built infrastructure, took out loans, and hired workers based on those deals. SDG&E can't just walk away.
What changed?
Last year electricity on the open market was expensive, which made SDG&E's old contracts look like a good deal. We got a small credit back.
This year market prices dropped. Sounds like good news right? Nope. Those same old contracts now look overpriced by comparison. Instead of getting money back, we're paying extra to cover the difference.[2]
It's like your old gym charging $100 a month when every other gym now charges $50. You still owe that $100 even though you left. And you're paying $50 at your new gym too.
How much did it go up? In PG&E territory, this fee increased 455%.[4] Not 45%. Four hundred and fifty five percent. San Diego is expected to see a similar swing. The percentage is so extreme because the PCIA flipped from giving you money back to charging you money.
How much more could I pay?
The new rates went into effect January 1, 2026. We haven't received our bills yet, but based on the rate tables filed with the CPUC, here's what we're expecting.[3]
It depends on how much electricity you use. The PCIA is charged per kWh so the more you use, the more you pay.
| Monthly Usage | Estimated Increase | Annual Impact |
|---|---|---|
| ~400 kWh (typical household) | $15 – $25/month | $180 – $300/year |
| 750 – 1,500 kWh (larger home or EV) | $50 – $75/month | Up to $900/year |
We'll update this article once bills start arriving and we can confirm the actual impact.
Can anyone fix this?
San Diego Community Power and other community energy programs are fighting this in court. They say the state applied the new calculation method unfairly.[5][6] But that's going to take time. The new rates are already in effect.
What can I do?
The only thing you can control right now is how much electricity you use. Less usage means a smaller PCIA charge.
When your bill comes, look for the PCIA line. That's where the increase should show up.
Sources
[1] San Diego Community Power, "Understanding Your Bill" sdcommunitypower.org
[2] CPUC Decision on SDG&E 2026 ERRA Forecast, Application A.25-05-012 CPUC Decision
[3] SDG&E Notice of Application for 2026 ERRA Forecast SDG&E Filing
[4] California Community Choice Association, Comments on PG&E's Fall Update Testimony, Application No. 25-05-011, November 10, 2025 CalCCA Comments
[5] CalCCA Press Release, "CalCCA, CCAs Seek Rehearing of CPUC Decisions that Unfairly Burden CCA Customers," January 12, 2025 CalCCA Press Release
[6] CalCCA, "What is the PCIA?" cal-cca.org/pcia