How The San Diego Rate-Payers Union Formed

In January 2023, after returning from a trip to San Francisco, I was shocked to find my SDGE bill $100 higher than usual. This sudden spike in costs led me to discover that San Diegans pays some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, almost the world. Frustrated and outraged, I shared my experience on Reddit, sparking a wave of support and leading to a brief but impactful payment strike involving over 2,000 people. Though this initial effort fizzled out, it ignited a deep passion in me to fight for fairer utility practices.

In January 2024, I joined Power San Diego, a ballot initiative to replace SDGE with a municipal, not-for-profit utility. I was soon hired as a junior coordinator and spent months tirelessly collecting signatures at farmers' markets and community events. We gathered over 31,000 signatures, but despite our hard work, the initiative fell short. SDGE continued its profiteering, leaving many of us determined to keep fighting.

Throughout this campaign, I met many incredible individuals who shared my passion for change. We realized the severe impact of SDGE’s high rates on our community, with 27% of San Diegans in debt to SDGE, owing an average of $700 each. Meanwhile, SDGE made nearly a billion in profit last year alone, profiting off the financial struggles of everyday people. This debt is the cost of SDGE’s profit.

The San Diego Rate-Payers Union was formed out of this collective realization, with support from dedicated volunteers and San Diego Earth Works (501c3) as our fiscal sponsor. Our mission is to assist those burdened by SDGE debt, educate the public on ways to lower their utility bills, and organize for long-term solutions to the SDGE problem.

Joining the union and donating is essential. This is not just about high bills; it’s about fighting an unjust system that prioritizes profit over people. Together, we can amplify our voices and demand fairer practices. By supporting the union, you are standing up for your neighbors and community, helping to provide immediate relief to those in debt, and working towards sustainable solutions.

Your contribution can make a tangible difference. It can help families struggling to keep their lights on and push for systemic change that benefits all San Diegans. We need your support to continue this fight and ensure that everyone has access to affordable, fair utilities.

Join the union and donate to help the victims of SDGE’s debt crisis. Together, we can create a more just and equitable future for our community.

- Isaiah (SD-RPU founding member)