This April, millions of Californians will see a welcome but modest break on their gas and electric bills, as the state rolls out an average of $137 in automatic credits through its California Climate Credit program. Funded by California’s Cap-and-Trade initiative—which requires major polluters to pay for the greenhouse gases they emit—the credit is designed to give consumers a share of those proceeds while supporting the state’s climate goals.

      The program, administered by the California Public Utilities Commission and overseen by the California Air Resources Board, has been issuing credits every April and October since 2014. So far, it has delivered an average of $1,120 in total credits to households across the state. This year, electricity credits range from $35 to $259, with most customers expected to receive between $56 and $81. Natural gas customers can expect anywhere from $54 to $87, depending on their provider, including PG&E, Southern California Edison, SDG&E, SoCalGas, and Southwest Gas. Those enrolled in community choice energy programs will also receive the credit. No application is needed—it appears automatically on billing statements, though the exact timing may vary depending on each customer’s billing cycle.

      Southern California Edison customers, for example, will get a $56 electric bill credit this month, with another $56 expected in October. SoCalGas customers will see a credit of roughly $86.60 applied to their April bill. Unlike the electricity credit, which is issued twice a year, the natural gas credit only comes once annually.

      Since its inception, California’s Cap-and-Trade program has generated $28 billion in climate-focused investments, funding over 500,000 projects, supporting 30,000 jobs, and significantly reducing carbon emissions. These funds have helped build affordable housing near job centers, launch the nation’s first high-speed rail project, and expand zero-emission transportation in underserved communities.

      Governor Gavin Newsom took to social media to spotlight the credit, stating, “We’re holding polluters accountable to clean the air while also giving money back on utility bills.”

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