Pacific Gas and Electric Co. reports that millions of customers will automatically receive the California climate credit on their April energy bill.
Residential households with an active electric account will receive an electric credit of $58.23. Residential and eligible small business customers receive identical electric credits in April and October.
The California climate credit is funded by the state’s cap-and-trade program. It is distributed by PG&E to customers as directed by the California Public Utilities Commission. The cap-and-trade program requires companies to pay for certain emissions. Revenue from the program is also used by the state to improve public health and the environment and provide meaningful benefits to the most disadvantaged communities, says PG&E. The bill credit is designed to help customers during the transition to a more sustainable future.
“We know many of our customers are feeling the pressure of rising energy bills. We support bill relief for families and fostering a more climate-resilient future,” said Vincent Davis, senior vice president of customer experience. Since 2014, the CPUC calculates PG&E residential customers have received an average of nearly $1,000 in California climate credits, totaling more than $12.9 billion in cap-and-trade program benefits statewide.
To explore other ways to save energy, reduce monthly bills and protect the planet, customers are encouraged to use PG&E’s new Savings Finder, enroll in the budget billing program and visit the Save Energy & Money web page.
Income-eligible assistance programs are available as well:
- California Alternate Rates for Energy provides a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity bills.
- Family Electric Rate Assistance provides a monthly discount of 18% on electricity for households of three or more people.
- Energy Savings Assistance provides energy-savings improvements at no charge.
- Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help offers a one-time energy credit for income-eligible customers of up to $300 based on a past-due balance.
- Arrearage Management Plan provides a debt forgiveness plan for eligible residential customers.
The Medical Baseline program offers a reduction in energy bills for customers who depend on power for certain medical needs.
PG&E also encourages customers to lower energy bills and save money by building an energy-efficiency DIY toolkit. With a $200 investment in energy-efficient materials, customers can save hundreds of dollars each year, says the utility.
Information provided by Pacific Gas and Electric Co.