Residents Blindsided By Massive SDG&E Rate Increases

San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) customers have seen unexpected increases in their most recent monthly bill, reports CBS8.

One resident, Luna Blye, told CBS8 she and her son are barely home and don't use a lot of energy.

She was shocked when her SDG&E bill for her one-bedroom apartment had more than doubled from the previous month.

"Last month it was $85. I was blown away to find out a few days ago when I opened up my bill it was $200," said Blye.

San Diego County residents have taken to Twitter to share similar stories about the price hikes.

And while people are shocked, CBS8 reports that SDG&E notified its customers that rates would be going up starting January 1.

According to officials, wildfire mitigation, growth of public benefit programs that give bill discounts to low-income families, and the higher cost of natural gas as reseasons for the price hike.

Customers are reportedly paying 7.8% more for electricity and 24.6% more for gas. Plus, bills are typically higher in cold months like December.