When will I get my CA climate credit? What to know about utility bill changes
New changes to the California Climate Credit could affect who receives money toward gas and electric bills this month, according to the California Public Utilities Commission.
The “automatic direct credit on residential energy bills” is part of California’s Cap-and-Invest Program and is meant to help offset energy costs by giving money back to most customers of investor-owned utilities — especially during times of costlier bills.
While California residents typically receive these credits in the spring and fall, that’s set to change in 2026.
“As part of a statewide mandate to support affordability, the 2026 Electric Residential Climate Credit will be distributed in high-billed months,” the California Public Utilities Commission said in a March 26 news release.
Here’s what to know:
How is the California Climate Credit changing in 2026?
In the past, the California Climate Credit was issued in the spring and fall — typically April and October — when energy bills are usually lower.
Starting in 2026, that timing is expected to shift.
“Going forward, Climate Credits will be delivered during high electricity use months, when customers need relief the most,” the California Public Utilities Commission said.
Under the proposal, the new schedule would be:
- Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric: August and September
- Liberty Utilities, Pacific Power and Bear Valley Electric Service: October and November
- Natural gas utilities, including PG&E, Southern California Gas Company and Southwest Gas: February
The proposed changes are scheduled to go before commissioners for a vote on April 30.
Who’s eligible for electricity bill relief? How much can I get?
According to the California Public Utilities Commission’s 2026 schedule, these utility company customers are eligible to receive the following credits on their electricity bills:
- Pacific Gas & Electric — $36.18 in both August and September
- Southern California Edison — $36 in both August and September
- San Diego Gas & Electric — $49.36 in both August and September
- Bear Valley Electric Service — $17.52 in April and November
- Liberty Utilities — $71.98 in April and November
- Pacific Power — $111.83 in April and November
The list does not include Sacramento Municipal Utilities District, or SMUD, which covers most of Sacramento County.
When will I receive natural gas climate credit in California?
Under the new proposal from the state utilities commission, the California Climate Credit for natural gas is expected to shift to February starting in 2027.
In 2026, the credit will still be issued in April, meaning customers should see it applied to their gas bills this month.
Here’s how much customers can expect to receive:
- Pacific Gas & Electric — $46.26
- San Diego Gas & Electric — $32.58
- Southern California Gas Company — $36.06
- Southwest Gas — $45.57
What do I have to do to get the climate credit?
If your household is eligible for the California Climate Credit, you don’t have to take any additional acting to receive the credit.
“Billing periods vary by utility and may not always coincide with a calendar month,” the California Public Utilities Commission said. “If you don’t see a credit when you expect it, it should appear on the following month’s bill.”
Contact your utility provider if it does not appear.
“Any carryover balance will be applied to your next month’s bill,” the state utilities commission said. “If there is a balance, customers may ask for a refund check instead of having the balance applied to your next month’s bill.”
