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California Electricity Information

California leads the way in clean energy, with a significant portion of its electricity generated from renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. While the state has drastically reduced emissions from electricity generation, it continues to push for even greener solutions to meet its ambitious climate goals.

Understanding Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)

If you see a charge on your electric bill from a company you don’t recognize (like “Clean Power Alliance,” “MCE,” or “San Diego Community Power”), you likely haven’t been switched without your permission.

What it is: Many cities in California participate in “Community Choice Aggregation.” This means a local non-profit agency buys the electricity (often greener/renewable energy) on your behalf, while your major utility (like PG&E or SCE) still delivers it and maintains the wires.
The “PCIA” Charge: You might see a line item called the Power Charge Indifference Adjustment (PCIA). This is an “exit fee” paid to your major utility to cover the cost of energy contracts they signed before you switched to the CCA.
Can I opt out? Yes. You are usually automatically enrolled in a CCA if your city joins one, but you can always opt out and return to your major utility’s standard generation service if you prefer.

Wildfire Safety & Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)

During high-wind events and dry conditions, utilities may preemptively shut off power to prevent wildfires. This is known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).

Alerts: Sign up for emergency alerts with your utility immediately. They typically try to give 24-48 hours’ notice before a PSPS.
Solar Panels: Be aware that standard rooftop solar panels will NOT work during a blackout unless you have a battery backup system. This is a safety feature to protect line workers repairing the grid.
Medical Baseline: If you rely on medical equipment (CPAP, dialysis, etc.), applying for the “Medical Baseline” program (mentioned in the Assistance section) often qualifies you for extra notifications and sometimes backup battery rebates.

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Electricity Production

Primary Source

Natural Gas

Total Generation: 216,628,794 MWh
Ranks 4th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 33.52¢ /kWh
Ranks 50th Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $165.77
Ranks 47th Cheapest in the U.S.

Electricity Production By Source

Emissions From Electricity Generation

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rank

11th Highest

43,360 TMT

Sulfer Dioxide Emissions Rank

43rd Highest

1,043 tn

Nitrogen Oxide Emissions Rank

2nd Highest

65,559 tn

Renewable Electricity Generation

Renewable Production Rank

2nd Highest

98,667,414 MWh
45.55% of Total Production

Source U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Based on data from 2023

Energy Usage in California

Energy Usage Per Capita Rank

3rd Lowest

Average Per Person: 176 million BTU

California’s electricity consumption is shaped by its size, population, and diverse climate regions. Coastal areas experience mild weather that keeps heating and cooling needs moderate, while inland valleys and southern deserts face scorching summers that drive up air conditioning use. Northern regions see cooler winters, contributing to seasonal heating demand. On top of climate-driven needs, California’s large economy, including tech, agriculture, and industry, adds significantly to overall electricity consumption. The state’s push for energy efficiency and renewable energy integration helps manage demand while supporting its clean energy goals.

Municipal Utilities in California

While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of California offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In California, 52 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.

Largest Electric Companies in California

The rest of California receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:

California Natural Gas Information

Natural gas plays an important role in California’s energy mix, both for electricity generation and direct use in homes and businesses. The state relies on natural gas to balance its renewable-heavy grid, especially during evening hours when solar production declines. Many households also use natural gas for heating, cooking, and water heating. Because California spans several climate regions, from the cool, mild coast to hot inland valleys and deserts, natural gas demand varies widely. Winter heating needs are higher in northern and mountain areas, while southern and coastal regions see lighter seasonal use.

Unlike electricity, natural gas in California is partially deregulated. While utilities like SoCalGas and PG&E deliver gas through their pipelines, consumers can choose alternative suppliers for the commodity portion of their bill in some areas. This means households and businesses can shop for natural gas contracts, though many remain with their default utility provider. Overall, natural gas consumption in California is shaped by its diverse climate, large population, and efforts to transition toward cleaner energy sources, with state policies encouraging energy efficiency and a gradual shift away from fossil fuels.

Average Natural Gas Price

$2.152 /CCF

Ranks 42nd Cheapest in the U.S.

Average Natural Gas Bill

$63 /month

Ranks 5th Cheapest in the U.S.

Natural Gas Usage Per Capita

47th Lowest

Average Per Person: 34.76 MCFs Annually

Largest Natural Gas Companies in California

Many of the residents of California receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.

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California Internet Connectivity

Broadband Availability

91.47%

Ranks 36th in the U.S.

Percent of Ppopulation with access to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload

1 Gig Availability

41.47%

Ranks 30th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to download speeds of 1 Gbps

Fiber Availability

31.56%

Ranks 13th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to Fiber Internet

Largest Internet Providers in California

When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in California have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping California homes online and in the loop:

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Utility Costs in California

The average monthly total utility bills in California is $304.93, which is 10.02% higher than the national average.

Average Electric Bill

$166

Higher than national average

Average Natural Gas Bill

$63

Lower than national average

Average Water Bill

$76

Higher than national average

Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in California

If you are struggling to pay your energy or water bills in California, numerous state, federal, and non-profit programs are available to help. Assistance usually comes in the form of monthly bill discounts, debt forgiveness, or one-time emergency grants.

Statewide & Federal Assistance Programs

These programs are generally available to any income-qualified household in California, regardless of age or veteran status.

California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE): This program provides a discount of 30-35% on electric bills and 20% on natural gas bills for eligible households. Eligibility is based on income or participation in public assistance programs like Medicaid/Medi-Cal or SNAP (CalFresh).
Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA): Designed for households that slightly exceed the CARE income limits. FERA offers an 18% discount on electricity bills for families of three or more people.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): A federally funded program that provides one-time financial assistance to help pay heating or cooling bills, especially in emergencies (such as receiving a shut-off notice). It also funds home weatherization improvements.
Medical Baseline Allowance: If someone in your household requires power for specific medical needs (e.g., a CPAP machine, dialysis, or motorized wheelchair), you may qualify for an additional allotment of energy at the lowest baseline rate.
Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): For customers with past-due bills who are enrolled in CARE or FERA, this program can forgive up to $8,000 in unpaid debt if on-time payments are made for 12 consecutive months.

Special Programs for Seniors

Seniors often receive priority processing for emergency energy assistance.

Priority for LIHEAP: The federally funded LIHEAP program prioritizes households with elderly members (60 years and older) for emergency heating and cooling assistance.
Utility-Specific Senior Rates: Some municipal utilities offer specific discounts for seniors. For example, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) offers a “Senior Citizen/Disability Lifeline Rate” which provides a discount on electric and water bills for low-income seniors (62+).

Tip: Always call your specific utility provider and ask if they have a “Senior Citizen Rate” or “Lifeline Rate.”

Special Programs for Students

While there are few “student-only” utility discounts, students living off-campus frequently qualify for general low-income programs.

Qualifying for CARE/FERA as a Student: Students living in their own apartment (not dorms) can apply for CARE or FERA. Eligibility is determined by the total income of the household.
Using Financial Aid for Income Verification: When applying for programs like LIHEAP, financial aid award letters can often be used as documentation of income.
Neighbor-to-Neighbor Funds: Many utilities, such as SDG&E, manage charitable “hardship funds” for customers who may not qualify for federal aid but are facing a temporary crisis. This can be an excellent resource for students facing a sudden shortfall.

Special Programs for Veterans

Veterans have access to unique financial resources that can be used to cover utility arrears and prevent disconnection.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): This program provides temporary financial assistance specifically for housing stability, which includes paying for utility deposits and utility arrears (past-due bills) for veterans and their families.
Operation Homefront: Provides “Critical Financial Assistance” to veterans for overdue bills, including electricity, gas, and water.
VFW Unmet Needs Grant: The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) offers grants of up to $1,500 to help service members and veterans with basic life needs, specifically including utility bills.