Most people have basically no choice about where they get their power from – SDG&E’s monopoly covers 4,100 square miles of Southern California. Soon, that is likely to change as many California cities, including San Diego, look to start buying power for their residents. But even if the city begins to compete with San Diego Gas & Electric, people may still be forced to pay SDG&E for power for decades to come. The state allows companies to keep making people pay for power, even if people no longer use, want or need it.