Springtime in California brings more than just blooming flowers and warmer weather—it also means the arrival of the California Climate Credit on utility bills. This biannual credit comes from California's Greenhouse Gas Cap-and-Trade Program, which incentivizes utilities in California to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
If you're a CleanPowerSF residential customer or small business, here's what you need to know: you're eligible for this credit, and you can expect to see it applied to your bill in April.
What Exactly is the California Climate Credit?
Twice a year, millions of Californians receive the California Climate Credit on their electric and natural gas bills. This credit is from a state program that requires power plants, natural gas providers, and other large industries that emit greenhouse gases to pay for their carbon emissions. The credit you see on your bill represents your share of the payments made by these entities as part of the state's efforts to address climate change.
Who's Eligible for the Climate Credit?
Customers served by Investor-Owned Utilities (IOU) and Community Choice Aggregation programs (CCA) qualify for the credit. Since CleanPowerSF operates as a CCA program, its residential and small business customers are eligible to receive this credit.
How Does It Work?
Fortunately, customers don't need to take any action to receive the credit—it will be automatically applied to their electric and natural gas bills. Small businesses are eligible for the credit for electric service only.
How Much Can You Expect?
CleanPowerSF customers who pay for both natural gas and electric service can anticipate a credit of up to $140. Even if you only pay for electric service through CleanPowerSF and PG&E, you'll still receive a credit, this time totaling $55— higher than last year's $38 credit. Small businesses receive the same credit allocation as residential customers. To see exact credit amounts, visit: California Climate Credit.
When Will You See the Credit?
Since the credits are distributed twice a year, CleanPower residential and small business customers will see it reflected in their April bill and then again in October (for electricity only).
We're Here to Help
We understand that managing your energy bill can be challenging. We’re here to help. Visit our website for energy-saving tips and resources at Cleanpowersf.org/save-energy or give us a call at (415) 554-0773, Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm.