SoCal Residents To Get Money Back On Energy Bills: Here's How

Los Angeles CA

20 April, 2022

3:20 PM

Description

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Southlanders, if your energy bills prompted a double take this month, you're not alone. Swaths of residents will see a credit on their electric and natural gas bills thanks to a state-led effort to fight climate change. Every April and October, the California Climate Credit requires for-profit energy and natural gas providers to refund residential customers a portion of the carbon tax collected. The climate credit is your share of the carbon tax and the rest of the funds go toward programs that work to mitigate rising climates and increase use of cleaner forms of energy. Households automatically receive a credit biannually while small businesses receive a credit monthly. Southern California Edison customers will receive a $59 credit this month, the largest credit given since 2014, when the program began. Last year, customers received a $29 credit. About 95 percent of SCE's 5 million customers will get the credit this year, according to the utility. "It's great to see that this year's credit is the most generous to date," said Lisa D. Cagnolatti, senior vice president of SCE's customer service department. "With rising consumer prices creating challenges for many Californians, SCE welcomes any opportunity to help customers with their electric bill." For SoCalGas customers, a credit of $44.17 will be added to April's bill. Last year, the credit was just $22. Alternatively, San Diego residents will receive a credit of $64.17 in August through SDG&E. The extra bill padding is welcome news as inflation on every price tag from groceries to fuel continues to plague Californians. Inflation hit a new 40-year high, jumping 8.5 percent over the previous 12 months, according to a new Labor Department report released this month. The squeeze is being felt particularly hard at the gas pump and especially in the Golden State, where the average gas price for a gallon of regular gas was $5.74 on Tuesday. Those who are seeking help in paying their SCE bill can visit this page to explore assistance programs. READ MORE: CA Residents Should Adjust Budgets Amid Record Inflation