Standard baseline varies by region; 300-400 kWh is typical.
Estimate how much of your daily power is used during peak hours.
Summer (June – September)
Winter (October – May)
Estimated Monthly Total: $0.00
function toggleInputs() {
var plan = document.getElementById("ratePlan").value;
var tieredDiv = document.getElementById("tieredInputs");
var touDiv = document.getElementById("touInputs");
if (plan === "tiered") {
tieredDiv.style.display = "block";
touDiv.style.display = "none";
} else {
tieredDiv.style.display = "none";
touDiv.style.display = "block";
}
}
function calculatePGEBill() {
var plan = document.getElementById("ratePlan").value;
var totalUsage = parseFloat(document.getElementById("totalUsage").value);
var season = document.getElementById("season").value;
var totalBill = 0;
var breakdownHtml = "";
if (isNaN(totalUsage) || totalUsage <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid monthly usage amount.");
return;
}
// Approximate 2024 PG&E Residential Rates (Including Delivery + Generation)
// Tiered Rates (E-1)
var t1Rate = 0.43; // Tier 1 up to baseline
var t2Rate = 0.54; // Tier 2 above baseline
// TOU Rates (Estimates)
var touCPeak = (season === "summer") ? 0.62 : 0.48;
var touCOffPeak = (season === "summer") ? 0.45 : 0.42;
var touDPeak = (season === "summer") ? 0.59 : 0.50;
var touDOffPeak = (season === "summer") ? 0.41 : 0.43;
if (plan === "tiered") {
var baseline = parseFloat(document.getElementById("baselineAllowance").value);
if (isNaN(baseline)) baseline = 300;
var usageInT1 = Math.min(totalUsage, baseline);
var usageInT2 = Math.max(0, totalUsage – baseline);
var costT1 = usageInT1 * t1Rate;
var costT2 = usageInT2 * t2Rate;
totalBill = costT1 + costT2;
breakdownHtml = "Tier 1 Usage: " + usageInT1.toFixed(0) + " kWh @ $" + t1Rate + "/kWh = $" + costT1.toFixed(2) + "";
if (usageInT2 > 0) {
breakdownHtml += "Tier 2 Usage: " + usageInT2.toFixed(0) + " kWh @ $" + t2Rate + "/kWh = $" + costT2.toFixed(2) + "";
}
} else {
var peakPct = parseFloat(document.getElementById("peakPercentage").value);
if (isNaN(peakPct)) peakPct = 30;
var peakUsage = totalUsage * (peakPct / 100);
var offPeakUsage = totalUsage – peakUsage;
var pRate = (plan === "tou_c") ? touCPeak : touDPeak;
var opRate = (plan === "tou_c") ? touCOffPeak : touDOffPeak;
var peakCost = peakUsage * pRate;
var offPeakCost = offPeakUsage * opRate;
totalBill = peakCost + offPeakCost;
breakdownHtml = "Peak Usage: " + peakUsage.toFixed(0) + " kWh @ $" + pRate + "/kWh = $" + peakCost.toFixed(2) + "";
breakdownHtml += "Off-Peak Usage: " + offPeakUsage.toFixed(0) + " kWh @ $" + opRate + "/kWh = $" + offPeakCost.toFixed(2) + "";
}
// Add estimated fixed fees and NBCs (Non-bypassable charges)
var fixedCharges = 15.00;
totalBill += fixedCharges;
breakdownHtml += "Fixed Monthly Charges/Fees (Est): $15.00″;
document.getElementById("totalCost").innerText = "$" + totalBill.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("breakdown").innerHTML = breakdownHtml;
document.getElementById("resultArea").style.display = "block";
}
Understanding PG&E Rates and Bill Calculations
Navigating energy costs in California can be complex. Between tiered billing, baseline allowances, and Time-of-Use (TOU) peak hours, your monthly PG&E bill is influenced by more than just total energy consumption. This PGE rate calculator helps you estimate your costs and compare different rate plans to find the most cost-effective option for your household.
The Three Main Components of Your PG&E Bill
Generation Charges: The cost of creating the electricity (from solar, wind, gas, etc.).
Delivery Charges: The cost of maintaining the power lines and infrastructure that bring electricity to your home.
Non-Bypassable Charges (NBCs): Mandated fees that support public programs, wildfire funds, and energy efficiency initiatives.
Tiered vs. Time-of-Use (TOU) Rates
Choosing the right rate plan is the most effective way to lower your PGE bill. Here is the difference between the two primary structures:
1. E-1 Tiered Rate Plan
Under the Tiered plan, you have a Baseline Allowance. This is a specific amount of energy you get at the lowest price (Tier 1). If you exceed this amount, you move into Tier 2, which significantly increases the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This plan is best for low-energy users who do not consume much more than their baseline allowance.
2. Time-of-Use (TOU) Plans
TOU plans focus on when you use energy rather than just how much you use.
TOU-C (Peak 4-9 PM): This is the default plan for most residents. It features higher prices during the evening peak and lower prices during the day and late night.
TOU-D (Peak 5-8 PM): This plan has a shorter, more concentrated peak window. It is often beneficial for households that can shift heavy appliance use (like dishwashers or laundry) to the morning or late evening.
How the Baseline Allowance Works
Your baseline allowance is determined by where you live (your Climate Zone) and the season. Summer allowances are generally higher to account for air conditioning needs. Staying within your baseline is the key to maintaining a lower rate. If your usage consistently hits Tier 2, you may find that switching to a TOU plan and shifting your usage to off-peak hours provides better savings.
Calculation Example
Suppose you are on the E-1 Tiered Plan in the summer with a baseline allowance of 300 kWh. If you use 500 kWh in a month:
Tier 1: 300 kWh × $0.43 = $129.00
Tier 2: 200 kWh (the excess) × $0.54 = $108.00
Estimated Total: $237.00 + fixed taxes/fees.
Tips for Lowering Your PG&E Bill
Pre-Cool Your Home: If on a TOU plan, run your AC in the morning and early afternoon, then turn it up during the 4-9 PM peak window.
Audit Large Appliances: Refrigerators, pool pumps, and HVAC systems are the biggest energy consumers. Ensure they are maintained and running efficiently.
Check for Medical Baseline: If you or someone in your home has a medical condition requiring electric devices, you may qualify for a much higher baseline allowance at the lowest rate.