How to Read Your SDG&E NEM Bill

Common Questions About Your SDG&E Bill

1. How Do I Read My SDG&E Bill Once My Solar Panels Are Interconnected?

Once your home solar system is working, SDG&E will measure the difference between the number of kilowatt-hours you generate and the amount of electricity you consume from the grid. This difference is called Net Energy Metering or NEM.²

Under NEM, SDG&E lets you get retail value for the electricity you produce. Meaning, if your home solar system generates more energy than you need, it’ll go back into SDG&E’s grid, and you’ll earn credits that you can use to offset your future billing cycles.³

SDG&E customers under a solar lease or PPA plan are automatically enrolled in their NEM program, and receive three types of bills:

Natural Gas Usage Bill:

Delivered each month, and it includes your monthly natural gas and minimum monthly charges, like taxes and non-energy related charges. All gas and non-energy charges are due in full each month.⁴See a sample SDG&E bill.

Electricity & NEM Bill:

Delivered each month, and it includes your monthly charges for any kilowatt-hours you use beyond what your home solar system produces every month.⁴See a sample SDG&E Electricity & NEM bill.

Annual True-Up Settlement Bill

Since your solar energy production will change month to month. If you’re consuming more energy than your solar panels are producing, you can make monthly payments for as much or as little as you want toward your monthly electricity charges, as long as your annual charges (if any) are paid in full at the end of your 12-month bling cycle. This 12-month billing period is commonly known as your True-Up period.⁵

2. What Are Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate Plans?

SDG&E’s TOU rate plans offer you better control of your home energy costs because they’re based on how much electricity you use and when you use it. So you have two ways to save on your electric bills — by reducing your overall home energy usage or by shifting your use to off-peak hours when there is less demand and electricity prices are lower.⁶ See the below TOU chart for further explanation on peak rates.

TOU Visualized:

3. Am I Eligible for SDG&E’s TOU Plans If I Have a Solar System at Home?

Yes, and if you have solar panels with a solar battery at home, under an SDG&E TOU plan, you can export the excess energy you produce back into the grid when rates are lower, and then use that electricity when prices are higher, like in the afternoon or early evening. And, you could also get a credit for the month even if you used more energy than you exported

4. What Happens to My Solar Agreement If I Move?

If you’re thinking about moving, at Sunrun, we have a team of Service Transfer Specialists ready to help transfer your solar contract to the new owner. As soon as you let us know you’re selling your home; you’ll be assigned to a Service Transfer Specialist who’ll work with you exclusively through the entire transaction.⁷

From educating realtors and potential home buyers to working with home inspectors, escrow officers, title agents, and anyone else who should know about your home solar system and solar contract, at Sunrun, we’ll always have your back. Learn helpful solar contract transfer tips.

Take Control of Your SDG&E Electric Bill Today

Also, if you're looking to go solar, get a free quote from one of our solar conultants today! Our solar advisors are ready to help you every step of the way.