SAN DIEGO, Sept. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting this month, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has begun to transition customers to the new electric rate structure, which was approved by the California Public Utilities Commission in July. As a result of this decision, SDG&E customers will begin to see gradual changes to their electric bill over the next five years. 

A new three-tier electric rate structure has now replaced the previous four-tier structure. In the spring of next year, the changes will continue when the structure will be further reduced to two tiers. 

"This is the first step in providing more fairness and transparency in utility bills for all customers," said Caroline Winn, chief energy delivery officer at SDG&E. "We want people to understand the changes to how they are billed and also how they can manage their energy costs."

In September and October, most on-line residential My Account customers will receive a video bill to help them understand the changes to their bill introduced by rate reform. Customers can also visit sdge.com/ratereform to learn more about the changes to come.

"September is traditionally a hot month, which can mean higher bills because many customers need to use more electricity to stay cool," added Winn. "By implementing rate reform now, more of our customers will benefit from lower energy costs as they reach the higher tiers."

SDG&E customers can take advantage of a number of tools to help manage energy costs:

• Consider enrolling in one of SDG&E's "Whenergy Plans." The optional Time of Use plans can help customers save on their bill by reducing their electricity use during peak hours.
• Keep track of energy bills with spending alerts. Visit sdge.com/MyAccount to sign up.
• Take an easy, online home energy survey to find the best ways to save. Go to sdge.com/survey for more information.
• Shop SDG&E's Marketplace for a range of energy-saving products, learn about the energy-efficiency of a particular product, and compare pricing from multiple retailers. Visit sdgemarketplace.com.

SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and 868,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles. SDG&E is committed to creating ways to help customers save energy and money every day. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego. Connect with SDG&E's Customer Contact Center at 800-411-7343, on Twitter (@SDGE) and Facebook.

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SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)