Base Services Charge

Base Services Charge


Your Electric Bill Is Changing. Here’s What’s Happening.

Under California Assembly Bill 205, electric utility companies are required to adjust the way residential customers are billed.

In October or November 2025, electricity bills will be restructured for all residential customers. The electric delivery section of the bill will now include a Base Services Charge as a separate line item, and customers may also experience a reduction in the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh)1.   

The goal of this change is to make it more affordable for everyone to adopt electric technologies and use more clean, sustainable energy. SCE does not earn more profit because of this change. To learn more, visit California Assembly Bill 205 Fact Sheet.

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How Much Will I Pay?

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The Base Services Charge amount varies and will automatically be applied to your bill. If you are enrolled in one of our income-qualified programs or living in a qualifying housing property known as deed-restricted affordable housing2, you may be eligible to receive a discounted Base Services Charge. Below are the different Base Services Charge amounts.

  • California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) customers – approximately $6.003 per month
  • Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) customers – approximately $12.003 per month
  • Customers living in qualified deed-restricted affordable housing2 – approximately $12.003 per month
  • Customers not enrolled in CARE or FERA or not living in eligible deed restricted affordable housing – approximately $24.003 per month

Not enrolled in the CARE or FERA programs? See if you qualify to receive a discounted Base Services Charge here.


 

What’s Not Changing
 

You’ll remain on your current rate plan, whether it’s Time-of-Use or Tiered. If you’re enrolled in programs like CARE, FERA, or Medical Baseline, you’ll continue to receive those benefits.

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How Will My Bill Change?

 

Your bill may go up, down, or stay the same, depending on your usage. The chart below shows how your bill may be affected by this change.

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Customer TypeLikely Bill ChangeWhy?
Low Energy UserBill may increaseThe lower cost per kilowatt-hour may not decrease your cost enough to cover the Base Services Charge, resulting in an increase. 
Medium Energy UserBill may stay the sameThe lower cost per kilowatt-hour may balance the Base Services Charge.
High Energy UserBill may decreaseThe lower cost per kilowatt-hour may help cover the Base Services Charge, resulting in savings. 
CARE/FERA Customers and Customers living in deed-restricted affordable housing2Bill may decreaseThe lower cost per kilowatt-hour may help cover the Base Services Charge, resulting in savings. 
Solar Customers (not participating in CARE/FERA)Depends on net usageSolar customers still pay the Base Services Charge but may benefit from lower electricity usage rates when they aren’t generating power. 
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Can I See a Bill Sample?

 

To help you understand what to expect, the examples below show an average monthly bill based on different usage amounts. 

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Comparison bar chart illustrating the impact of new energy bill changes for three household usage levels (Low: 300 kWh, Medium: 600 kWh, High: 1,000 kWh). Each category displays the current bill and new bill with three components: Energy Delivery Charge (green), Generation Charges (yellow), and a new Base Services Charge (blue). Low Usage (300 kWh): Current Bill is $89; New Bill is $101. Energy Delivery Charge is reduced, but the new Base Services Charge increases the total. Medium Usage (600 kWh): Current Bill is $212; New Bill is $209. Total is slightly lower due to a reduced Energy Delivery Charge. High Usage (1,000 kWh): Current Bill is $379; New Bill is $355. The new bill is significantly lower, with a reduced Energy Delivery Charge and the same Generation Charge. Labels highlight where charges are “Lower” or “New.”

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Bar chart comparing current and new CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy) electricity bills for households at three usage levels: Low (300 kWh), Medium (600 kWh), and High (1,000 kWh). Each bar is segmented by charge type—green for Energy Delivery Charge, yellow for Generation Charges, and blue for the new Base Services Charge. Low Usage (300 kWh): Current Bill: $60. New Bill: $59. Energy Delivery. Charge decreases, Generation Charge remains the same, and a $6 Base Services Charge is added. Medium Usage (600 kWh): Current Bill: $136. New Bill: $128. Energy Delivery Charge decreases, Generation Charge remains unchanged, and a $6 Base Services Charge is added. High Usage (1,000 kWh): Current Bill: $246. New Bill: $226. Energy Delivery Charge decreases, Generation Charge stays the same, and a $6 Base Services Charge is added. Visual callouts include “Lower” and “New” labels highlighting savings and the introduction of the new charge.

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Bar chart comparing current and new FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance) program electricity bills for three usage levels: Low (400 kWh), Medium (600 kWh), and High (800 kWh). Each bill is broken down into: Energy Delivery Charge (green), Generation Charges (yellow), and the new Base Services Charge (blue). Low Usage (400 kWh): Current Bill: $101 (Energy Delivery $51, Generation $50). New Bill: $100 (Energy Delivery $38, Generation $50, Base Charge $12). Medium Usage (600 kWh): Current Bill: $171 (Energy Delivery $92, Generation $79). New Bill: $161 (Energy Delivery $70, Generation $79, Base Charge $12). High Usage (800 kWh): Current Bill: $244 (Energy Delivery $136, Generation $108). New Bill: $225 (Energy Delivery $105, Generation $108, Base Charge $12). Labels highlight reductions in Energy Delivery Charges (“Lower”) and introduction of the Base Services Charge (“New”). All new bills are equal to or lower than the current ones.

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Bar chart comparing current and new electricity bills under the DRAH program for three household usage levels: Low (150 kWh), Medium (250 kWh), and High (400 kWh). Bills are segmented into: Energy Delivery Charge (green), Generation Charges (yellow), and the new Base Services Charge (blue). Low Usage (150 kWh): Current Bill: $51 (Energy Delivery $30, Generation $21). New Bill: $56 (Energy Delivery $23, Generation $21, Base Charge $12). Medium Usage (250 kWh): Current Bill: $84 (Energy Delivery $50, Generation $34). New Bill: $85 (Energy Delivery $39, Generation $34, Base Charge $12). High Usage (400 kWh): Current Bill: $134 (Energy Delivery $80, Generation $54). New Bill: $128 (Energy Delivery $62, Generation $54, Base Charge $12). Visual cues indicate reductions in Energy Delivery Charges with green “Lower” labels and the introduction of a $12 Base Services Charge marked as “New.” The total bill decreases or remains nearly the same at all usage levels.

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How Can I Save?

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Do I Qualify for a Discount?

With the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program you may qualify for a monthly bill discount of 32.5% or up to 18% with the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. In addition to the monthly bill discount, you may also qualify for a discounted Base Services Charge. The Base Services Charge won't affect your participation in either CARE or FERA.

  • CARE customers – Base Services Charge of approximately $6.003 per month
  • FERA customers – Base Services Charge of approximately $12.003 per month 

Not sure if you qualify? 2-minute eligibility form!

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Explore Rate Plans to Maximize Potential Savings

It's good to know your options. You can use the Rate Plan Comparison Tool to get a personalized rate comparison based on your energy usage. You can also explore other available rate plan options and easily switch rate plans if you find one that better fits your needs. 

Compare rate plans in minutes.

Customers on the Solar Billing Plan, operating on a master meter, or with less than five months of continuous usage are not eligible to use the Rate Plan Comparison Tool. 

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What If I Have Solar?

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Do solar customers pay the Base Services Charge?

All residential customers, including solar customers, will pay a Base Services Charge. Solar customers are still connected to the grid and require the infrastructure, meters, and other equipment needed to maintain it.

How does this impact my overall bill?

Your net electricity usage cost still depends on how much energy you produce and use. 

Is the Base Services Charge due monthly?

The Base Services Charge is payable each month, even for customers with Net Energy Metering (NEM) or Solar Billing Plan (SBP), regardless of energy usage.

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FAQs


 

Have a question? Find answers quickly below.

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What changes are happening to my electric bill? Starting in October or November 2025, electricity bills will be restructured for all residential customers, including those with solar. The electric delivery section of the bill will now feature the Base Services Charge as a separate line item. The Base Services Charge may also include a lower cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity usage.
Why are these changes happening? In June 2022, the California Legislature passed Assembly Bill (AB) 205, mandating that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and electric utilities change the way residential customers’ electric bills are structured. The intent of AB 205 is to encourage electrification and make electric rates more affordable.
When will I see these changes on my bill and how will the Base Services Charge be displayed?This change becomes effective October or November of 2025. The charge will appear on your bill as “Base Services Charge” under the “Delivery Charges” section of your bill. 
What does the Base Services Charge pay for?  The Base Services Charge is designed by the state to cover the costs connecting each customer to the electric grid and providing state programs to assist income-qualified customers.
Is the Base Services Charge a new or additional charge? The Base Services Charge is not a new fee or tax, but rather a change in how electric bills are structured. Currently, both fixed costs and electricity usage costs are combined into energy usage charges on bills for residential customers. The new law (Assembly Bill 205) requires costs to be separated into a Base Services Charge to cover the cost of certain electrical equipment and services, and variable electricity delivery charges based on the electricity the customer uses during their billing period. This means that instead of paying for certain infrastructure costs through the variable electricity rate, customers will pay these costs through a standard fee, regardless of how much electricity they use.
Who will have to pay a Base Services Charge, and why are there different charge amounts?All residential customers including homeowners, renters, and solar customers will have a Base Services Charge on their bill. The charge amount will vary because some customers who are enrolled in income qualified programs like California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) or who live in qualifying housing communities knows as deed-restricted affordable housing are eligible for a discounted Base Services Charge amount. 
What are the different Base Services Charge amounts and how is the charge calculated?

The exact monthly amount of your Base Services Charge depends on the number of days in your billing cycle. This daily charge:

  • $6.00 per month for CARE-enrolled customers, assessed via an approximate daily charge of $0.20
  • $12.08 per month for FERA-enrolled customers and those in eligible deed-restricted affordable housing*, assessed via an approximate daily charge of $0.40
  • $24.15 per month for customers not enrolled in any of these programs, assessed via an approximate daily charge of $0.80

To calculate your new Base Services Charge per month, multiply the applicable daily charge by the number of days in your billing period.

* Deed-restricted affordable housing properties are identified by the California Housing Partnership and defined as an affordable rental home that is restricted by the rules of state or federal subsidies to residents who have incomes at or below 80 percent of the Area Media Income. For more information, visit chpc.net.

How were the costs paid for up until now? Prior to the implementation of the Base Services Charge, which will start in October or November 2025, the costs of maintaining the electric grid have been included in the variable energy delivery charges on customers’ bills. With the restructuring, the costs of things like meters and other equipment, which keep your home connected to the electric grid, will be separated from the variable electricity charges. These costs will now be covered primarily by the Base Services Charge, which will be a set daily charge on residential customer bills each month. 
Will the Base Services Charge amount change?The CPUC sets the statewide Base Services Charge amount and determines whether to make any changes to it. However, the Base Services Charge amount has been set by the CPUC, with no indication as to if or when the charge may change. The Base Services Charge is converted to a daily charge to collect the total amount across the average month. Thus, your Base Services Charge total may vary slightly depending on the number of days in your billing cycle, but you will not be charged more or less in total across the year.
Will the variable electricity delivery charges change?

Yes, these variable charges can change throughout the year as approved by the CPUC. However, the new Base Services Charge may reduce the variable cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) by approximately 10%*.

* Estimated as of March 1, 2025.

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How will the Base Services Charge affect my total bill?The Base Services Charge may cause your bill to increase or decrease compared to a bill without the Base Services Charge. Generally, the lower volumetric charges per kilowatt-hour (kWH) will help offset the Base Services Charge but is dependent on a customer's specific level of usage. Customers with higher-than-average usage may see a bill decrease, while customers with lower-than-average usage, who are not on income-qualified program, may see a bill increase.
How will the change impact my rate plan and programs?This change will not impact participation in your current rate plan (e.g. Time-of-Use or Tiered) or any other programs or discounts you receive, like Medical Baseline Allowance, California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE), or Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA).
Will my Base Services Charge vary based on my energy use? Can I lower my Base Services Charge or opt out of the charge?Your Base Services Charge is not based on your energy use and cannot be lowered by reducing your energy consumption. Customers cannot opt out of paying the Base Services Charge. All residential homes are connected to the grid and require the necessary infrastructure to receive power. You can find out if you’re eligible for an income-qualified discount such as California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) to see if you qualify for a lower Base Services Charge. Visit sce.com/assistance.
Are there any discounts available or resources to help lower my bill?You can visit sce.com/assistance to learn about ways to lower your energy usage or see if you qualify for income-based discount programs such as California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) and Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA). You can also see if you qualify for free energy-efficient appliances through our Energy Saving Assistance (ESA) program at sce.com/esa. 
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What are Energy Delivery Charges? These are the charges to deliver the electricity you use in your home. This cost is based on how much energy you consume, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). After October or November 2025, you may pay a lower cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh). 
What are Generation and Other Charges? Generation Charges cover the cost of producing electricity, and Other Charges include CPUC reimbursement fees, as well as any city and state taxes.  
Aren’t Delivery Charges and Generation Charges currently separated on bills? Delivery and Generation charges are currently separated and will continue to be separate. The mandated restructuring will separate the Base Services Charge from variable energy usage and will include it in the delivery section of the bill. Whether you’re a high or low energy consumer, your Base Services Charge will remain consistent, while the charges for energy delivery will still vary based on your usage. 
What is the difference between the Base Services Charge and the Fixed Recovery Charge? SCE has been permitted to issue bonds that enable it to recover certain costs more quickly related to preventing and mitigating catastrophic wildfires, while reducing the total cost to its customers. The Fixed Recovery Charge (FRC) has been approved by the CPUC to repay those bonds. The right to recover the FRC has been transferred to a separate entity (called the Special Purpose Entity) that issued the bonds and recovery does not belong to SCE. SCE is collecting the FRC on behalf of the Special Purpose Entity. 
TOU-D-Prime has a fixed daily basic charge, how will this affect the rate?The current Basic Charge for TOU-D-Prime will be replaced with the Base Services Charge.
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How will this restructuring of electric bills benefit customers? These structural changes reduce the price all SCE residential customers will pay for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity that they use. Separating the energy charges from the fixed charges will help keep bill amounts more predictable month-to-month.  
Will utilities make more money from Base Services Charge? Utilities will not earn more profit from the Base Services Charge. They will continue to receive the same amount of compensation as they currently do for the investment they make in operating and maintaining the electric grid. 
How do these changes make clean energy more accessible? All residential customers may pay less for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity that they use. This rate reduction per kWh will lower the cost of using energy and help accelerate the state’s transition to 100% clean electricity.
If my power goes out during the billing period due to a planned or unplanned outage, or a Public Safety Power Shutoff, do I still need to pay the Base Services Charge?Yes. The Base Services Charge is separate from electricity usage and represents each customer account’s share of supporting the ongoing operation and upkeep of the electric grid in SCE’s service area.
Will the Climate Credit be affected? The Climate Credit is not affected by the Base Services Charge.
Where can I go if I have additional questions?For more information about California Assembly Bill 205, you can view the Fact Sheet. 
Why are you encouraging electrification when we were encouraged to conserve energy?Most electric equipment, such as electric vehicles, can easily charge during off-peak hours when renewable energy is more abundant, and there is not a need to conserve energy.   
How is electrification going to benefit the customer?Electrification allows customers to power their vehicles and equipment on a cleaner energy source. In addition, electricity is frequently a less costly source of fuel for the customer.
Are there any resources available to help customers affected by the January 2025 Los Angeles fires?SCE works with customers affected by major disasters to assist them in recovery by providing payment arrangements as necessary, assisting with establishing service at temporary locations, ensuring our income-eligible customers receive necessary support information, and expediting rebuilding with a dedicated Service Planning team. Find more information about Disaster Support on sce.com. 
Was the Base Services Charge created because of the January 2025 Los Angeles fires?No, the Base Services Charge was authorized in June 2022 through California Assembly Bill 205.
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1Estimated as of March 1, 2025.

2 Deed-restricted affordable housing properties are identified by the California Housing Partnership and defined as an affordable rental home that is restricted by the rules of state or federal subsidies to residents who have incomes at or below 80 percent of the Area Media Income. For more information, visit chpc.net.

3 Your exact Base Services Charge amount will vary based on the number of days in your billing cycle.

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