Re Brace for higher SDG&E bills after utilities commission releases proposed decision on rates (Oct. 18): Great article, but one key fact seems to be missing. Nothing in there about Sempra Energy (SDG&E’s parent) having paid its shareholders $1.527 billion in dividends in 2023. Also nothing about paying its CEO $27 million that year.

Fortunately the utilities are given a monopoly by our government, protecting their profits so they can make these payouts. In other states where government allows electric competition, they have rates a fraction of ours, but here utility shareholders and executives might suffer so we won’t do that. Of course, our politicians benefit from utility contributions so it’s better to raise rates on the poor, seniors and others. What is best for the people isn’t a factor, is it?

— Todd Maddison, Oceanside