“San Diegans are being ripped off by investor-owned utilities,” said Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera to a small crowd gathered outside San Diego City Hall Tuesday morning. They were there to back a San Diego City Council resolution to support the 2026 Energy Affordability and Accountability Bil l Package now making its way through the California Assembly. City Council voted unanimously to support the series of legislation aimed at lowering utility bills, increasing transparency for utility companies, and holding utilities accountable for the money they spend. The vote came one day after San Diego Gas Electric filed a request for a 8.6% rate hike beginning in 2028.  The proposed hike would raise gas and electric rates by an average of $22.48 per month for a typical homeowner.  The rate hike, if approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, would amount to $3.8-billion. “We don’t want to be forced to make decisions about whether to pay our energy bill or go shopping for our children, but that’s the reality right now in San Diego,” said Patricia Mendoza, who says she can’t afford to pay another SDGE rate hike. “Every month, another 22-bucks additionally from what we’re already paying? That’s too much,” she added. ...read more read less