If you live in Carlsbad, Del Mar, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana Beach or Vista, Clean Energy Alliance supplies your electricity by default, on its Clean Impact Plus plan. Its Clean Impact plan averages $13.74 a month less on SDG&E's standard time-of-use plan, about $165 a year. CEA's own 2026 report counts 845 of its 256,877 customers on it (0.3%).
The official comparison
| Power from | Total a kWh | Avg bill | With CARE | With FERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SDG&E 41% renewable | 47.4¢ | $164.01 | $95.70 | $126.78 |
| CEA Clean Impact 50% renewable | 45.9¢ | $158.82 | $90.49 | $121.58 |
| CEA Clean Impact Plus (default) 55% renewable, 75% carbon-free | 49.9¢ | $172.56 | $104.23 | $135.32 |
| CEA Green Impact 100% renewable | 50.5¢ | $174.81 | $106.48 | $137.57 |
From the Joint Rate Comparison SDG&E and CEA must publish after every rate change (SDG&E rates effective August 1, 2026, CEA rates effective June 1, 2026), TOU-DR1, average use 346 kWh a month. SDG&E's delivery charge is the same whoever supplies the power; the difference is the generation price and the exit fee (PCIA).
Average monthly bill on the standard plan
Joint Rate Comparison, TOU-DR1 at 346 kWh a month. Green = the cheapest plan.
What it's worth for your bill
The gap is the generation price: Clean Impact 13.62¢ vs Clean Impact Plus 17.59¢ a kWh. Runs on your phone; nothing is sent anywhere.
What you trade
Clean Impact is at least 50% renewable; the default is 55% renewable and 75% carbon-free; Green Impact is 100% renewable for a little more. SDG&E still delivers the power and sends the bill either way. Which mix is worth the difference is your call.
The fix: switching takes a few minutes
- Find your SDG&E account number (on your SDG&E bill, or in My Account). CEA asks for 13 digits: if yours has 11, add two zeros in front and drop the last digit.
- Fill in CEA's opt-down form (English or Spanish).
- Changed your mind? CEA says you can switch back to Clean Impact Plus at any time. Questions: accountservices@thecleanenergyalliance.org.
Or do it with PJ: he pulls the account number from My Account, fills in the form with you, and checks your rate plan and the November 1 winter change while he's there. Text PJ.
Every other way to cut the bill: lower your SDG&E bill. In Encinitas or the City of San Diego? San Diego Community Power is the default provider and publishes its own joint rate comparison. More: CARE and FERA · power today.
Sources: SDG&E-CEA Joint Rate Comparison (8/1/2026) · CEA, Your Options · Opt-Down · 2026 Impact Report. Checked October 6, 2026.
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25.
Questions people ask
Is Clean Energy Alliance cheaper than SDG&E?
It depends on the plan. On TOU-DR1 at average use, the Joint Rate Comparison puts SDG&E at $164.01 a month, CEA's default Clean Impact Plus at $172.56, and CEA's Clean Impact at $158.82.
What is CEA Clean Impact?
Clean Energy Alliance's opt-down plan: at least 50% renewable, and the lowest-cost of its three plans. Customers switch with CEA's online opt-down form and can switch back at any time.
How many Clean Energy Alliance customers use Clean Impact?
845 of 256,877 customers, per CEA's 2026 Impact Report.
Which cities does Clean Energy Alliance serve?
Carlsbad, Del Mar, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana Beach and Vista.
Does switching CEA plans change my SDG&E bill or service?
SDG&E still delivers the power and bills you; its delivery charge is the same whoever supplies the electricity. Only the generation part of the bill changes.
Know someone who needs this?
Something changed here? Text PJ and we'll update this page.
More free local tools: the North County toolkit.