California, September 27, 2025
News Summary
California’s Climate Credit program will provide over $700 million in electric bill refunds to more than 11.5 million households this October. Each household is expected to receive an average credit of $61, with amounts varying from $35 to $259. This refund follows a similar credit issued earlier in the year, bringing the average annual total refund to about $198. The new legislation aims to enhance future credits, contributing to the state’s environmental initiatives and ongoing support for clean energy projects.
California households will soon benefit from over $700 million in electric bill refunds through the California Climate Credit program. This initiative, which automatically credits qualified customers, will impact more than 11.5 million households in the state this October.
The total payments for residential customers will exceed $700 million, with eligible small businesses expected to receive around $60 million. Households will see an average credit of approximately $61, with refund amounts varying from $35 to $259. The majority of households are anticipated to receive between $56 and $81.
This upcoming refund follows a similar credit issued in April 2025, which brings the average total refund for the year to $198 per customer. Furthermore, new legislation was signed recently, aiming to enhance future credits. The new law has allocated up to $60 billion to the electric Climate Credit program through 2045. While the changes from this legislation are projected to boost refunds from next year, specific amounts remain undisclosed.
Background on the California Climate Credit Program
The refunds are a component of California’s Cap-and-Invest Program, designed to regulate greenhouse gas emissions while financing vital climate initiatives. The program has allocated funds for various projects, including $33 billion for affordable housing close to job centers, development of high-speed rail, and promotion of zero-emission transportation options in underserved communities.
Since its launch in 2014, the California Climate Credit program has distributed $14.6 billion in bill refunds to residential utility customers. The program credits eligible households automatically, occurring twice a year—in April and October. Customers of utilities such as PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Gas Company, and Southwest Gas qualify for these credits.
California has achieved substantial environmental gains, with a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2000, coupled with a 78% growth in GDP. The state’s performance marks it as the world’s fourth-largest economy. In 2023 alone, approximately two-thirds of the state’s electricity was generated from clean energy sources, demonstrating significant strides toward a sustainable energy grid, which operated entirely on clean energy for parts of nearly every day that year.
While the refund process is generally seamless, customers who do not observe the credited amount on their electric bills are encouraged to reach out to their respective utility provider for clarification.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Refund Amount for October | $700 million |
| Number of Households Affected | Over 11.5 million |
| Average Amount per Household | $61 |
| Refund Amount Range | $35 to $259 |
| Credits Issued in April 2025 | Similar to October refunds |
| Total Refunds Since Inception | $14.6 billion |
FAQ
What is the total refund amount for October 2025?
Total payments for residential customers in October will exceed $700 million.
How many households are set to receive the Climate Credit?
More than 11.5 million California households will receive automatic refunds on their October electric bills through the California Climate Credit program.
What is the average credit amount per household?
The average credit amount per household will be approximately $61.
How much have California households received in total since the program’s launch?
The California Climate Credit program has provided a total of $14.6 billion in bill refunds to residential utility customers since its inception in 2014.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox40 News
- Wikipedia: California Climate Credit
- Los Angeles Times
- Google Search: California Climate Credit
- LAist
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California Energy
- ABC10 News
- Google News: California Electricity Refunds
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
