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For the third time this year, San Diego Gas & Electric residential customers will get a break on their energy bill, thanks to the California Climate Credit program administered by the California Public Utilities Commission as part of the state’s effort to fight climate change. In October, residential electric customers will see a $60.70 credit on their statement. Billing cycles vary for customers, so not everyone will see the bill credit at the same time in October.

Earlier this year, SDG&E residential customers who have both gas and electric service saw a total of about $104 in bill credit applied to their February and March SDG&E statements. These two earlier installments of credits plus the latest one add up to $164.80 for the year.

“We appreciate working collaboratively with the California Public Utilities Commission to distribute the Climate Credit and offer some financial relief to our customers,” said SDG&E Vice President of Customer Services Dana Golan. “Anyone struggling to pay their bill is encouraged to reach out to us. We’re here to help connect them with financial assistance programs.” 

The California Climate Credit is part of the Golden State’s efforts to fight climate change. This credit comes from the state’s cap-and-trade program, which requires power plants, fuel providers, and large industrial facilities that emit greenhouse gases to buy carbon pollution permits.

The credits are typically distributed twice a year, and they represent customers’ share of the benefits from the state’s program and provide consumers with an increased opportunity to invest in energy-saving products during the transition to a low-carbon future.

SDG&E customers received their gas climate credit in February and their electric climate credits in March. The credits will be reflected on your utility bill in these three months as the “California Climate Credit.”

Small Businesses also received the same $60.70 credit. Small businesses throughout the state will receive this credit on their utility bills. This credit is paid as a flat rate amount twice a year.

There is no action required to receive the credit. All electricity customers, including community choice aggregation customers, will automatically receive the credit in their upcoming billing cycle. SDG&E will also alert customers to the Climate Credit via email.

These Climate Credits are one of many programs resulting from landmark legislation called the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Together, these programs are cutting pollution, creating jobs, and investing in cleaner energy and transportation. Your Climate Credit is designed to help you join in these efforts.

Assistance Programs

Customers who are struggling to pay their SDG&E bill are encouraged to visit sdge.com/assistance to explore all of the resources available to them – bill discounts, debt relief payment arrangements and no-cost energy efficiency upgrades that can help lower their bill long-term.

The Power Saver Rewards Program could be activated anytime whenever the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) issues an Energy Emergency Alert Watch and/or a Flex Alert. Customers enrolled in the voluntary and cost-free program will be notified via email or text messages (depending on their preference) a day ahead of the need to conserve, so they can plan and prepare accordingly. Those who are able to reduce energy use between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. below their typical energy use during these peak hours will receive $2 credit for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity saved. There is no penalty for not reducing energy use.