California Utility Bill Relief 2026: Who Gets the Automatic Climate Credit?

Millions of California households are receiving automatic electricity bill credits in August and September 2026. The California Climate Credit is providing about $886 million in utility-bill relief, with an average credit of roughly $75 per household.

Who qualifies?

The credit is available to eligible residential electric customers of:

• PG&E

• Southern California Edison

• San Diego Gas & Electric

No application is required. The credit should appear automatically on your August and September electricity bills.
 

How much is the credit?

The 2026 amounts are:

• PG&E: $36.18 in August and $36.18 in September.

• SCE: $36 in August and $36 in September.

• SDG&E: $49.36 in August and $49.36 in September.

The exact total depends on the utility serving your home.

How does it work?

The California Climate Credit is funded through the state’s Cap-and-Invest Program, which requires major polluters to purchase emissions allowances. A portion of that money is returned to residential customers through their utility bills. 

The credit is not a check and does not reduce the utility’s standard electricity rates. It appears as a line item on the bill.
 

What if you do not see the credit?

Check your August and September statements for “California Climate Credit.” If it is missing, contact your utility and confirm that:

• Your account is residential.

• Your account was active during the credit period.

• Your electricity provider is PG&E, SCE or SDG&E.

Renters who pay electricity directly may qualify. Residents whose electricity is included in rent may not receive a separate credit.

For other assistance, visit the California Public Utilities Commission’s utility assistance page.
 

Bottom line

Eligible PG&E, SCE and SDG&E residential customers should receive the California Climate Credit automatically in August and September 2026. The average household will receive about $75, but the exact amount depends on the utility.

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