Protesters Rally Against SDG&E Utility Rates

Environmental and community groups demand lower electricity prices from San Diego's largest power provider.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 8:55pm

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About three dozen protesters gathered outside the Rady Shell in San Diego to demonstrate against high electricity rates charged by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E). The protesters, representing various environmental and community organizations, criticized the utility for continually raising rates and prioritizing profits over affordability for customers.

Why it matters

High utility bills have long been a source of frustration for SDG&E customers, as well as ratepayers across California. The protest highlights growing concerns over the affordability of electricity, especially as costs continue to rise due to factors like wildfire prevention expenses incurred by investor-owned utilities.

The details

The demonstration was held ahead of a major utility industry convention where SDG&E was scheduled to have a speaking engagement. Protesters accused the utility of "squeezing and squeezing" customers for every bit of profit, pointing to SDG&E's recent rate hike approval from state regulators. SDG&E defended its efforts to manage costs and keep energy affordable, stating it works to deliver safe and reliable power.

  • The protest took place on Monday, February 2, 2026.

The players

SDG&E

San Diego Gas & Electric, the largest utility provider in San Diego and a subsidiary of Sempra Energy.

Barbara Pinto

A Logan Heights resident and member of a community group protesting SDG&E's rates.

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What’s next

The protest came ahead of a speaking engagement by SDG&E at a major utility industry convention, where the company may face further scrutiny over its rates and practices.

The takeaway

This protest underscores the ongoing tensions between utility companies seeking to maintain profitability and the growing demands from consumers and community groups for more affordable and accessible electricity, especially as costs continue to rise across California.