Millions of Californians to get utility bill refunds. Here’s when and how much
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- California will issue electric bill credits in October via the Climate Credit program.
- Refund amounts vary by utility provider, with some customers receiving up to $259.
- No application is required; credits are automatically applied to eligible accounts.
Millions of Californians will soon be seeing refunds of up to $259 on their electric bills.
In October, residents across the Golden State will receive automatic discounts on utility bills due to the California Climate Credit program.
The credits are doled out twice a year to eligible Californians.
Here’s what to know:
Why are Californians getting refunds on utility bills?
Many Californians will receive a credit on their upcoming electricity bills because of a statewide program designed to help energy consumers transition to a more sustainable future, according to the California Public Utilities Commission.
The refunds are coming from the state’s Climate Credit program. Funded through California’s cap-and-trade system, the program requires greenhouse gas emitters — including power plants, major industrial facilities and fuel suppliers —to purchase carbon pollution allowances.
California only issues a limited amount of emission allowances each year in an effort to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, the state Public Utilities Commission said. Emitters must buy pollution allowances at auctions run by the California Air Resources Board.
The proceeds made at these auctions go toward reducing emissions or given directly to utility customers through the state’s Climate Credit program.
The credit initiative is “part of California’s efforts to fight climate change,” the Climate Credit program said on its website.
Who is eligible to get power bill refunds in California?
Households and small businesses in California are eligible to receive the utility bill refunds, according to the Climate Credit program.
California residents will automatically get the credits if they are customers of Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, PacifiCorp, Liberty Utilities, Bear Valley Electric Service or any community choice aggregators, according to the state’s Climate Credit Program.
When will Californians see electricity bill discounts?
California electricity customers receive the California Climate Credit in both April and October, according to the state’s Public Utilities Commission.
Residents who pay for natural gas also get discounts on their April power bills.
How much money will I get from California Climate Credit?
The amount of credit you receive differs depending on your utility company and tends to change each year, the California Public Utilities Commission said.
It is not related to the amount of energy a customer uses.
Here are the credit amounts owed to California electricity customers in October:
- Pacific Gas & Electric: $58.23
- Southern California Edison: $56
- San Diego Gas & Electric: $81.38
- Bear Valley Electric Service: $34.91
- Liberty: $63.71
- Pacific Power: $259.36
Do I have to sign up to get my refund?
Californians don’t have to sign up or take any additional steps to receive the refund.
The credit is automatically applied to your October power bill, according to the state’s Climate Credit website.
This story was originally published September 30, 2025 at 12:23 PM.
