You might see a credit on your California electric bill this month. Here’s why

Some California residents might notice a credit on their electric bill this month — and it’s arriving at a different time than usual.

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The California Public Utilities Commission recently changed when the California Climate Credit is distributed, meaning eligible customers will now receive bill relief during the hottest months of the year instead of in the spring and fall.

The California Climate Credit is an automatic bill credit funded through the state’s Cap-and-Invest Program. It returns money to most residential customers of investor-owned utilities to help offset electricity costs.

Earlier this year, the California Public Utilities Commission approved changes to the program as part of a broader effort to provide relief when energy bills tend to be highest.

“As part of a statewide mandate to support affordability, the 2026 Electric Residential Climate Credit will be ,” the commission said in a March 26 news release.

Here’s what California customers need to know:

How is the California Climate Credit changing in 2026?

In the past, eligible customers received the California Climate Credit twice a year — typically in April and October.

In 2026, that schedule has changed.

“Warmer temperatures could lead to increased electricity usage as customers often increase electricity usage to cool their homes,” Pacific Gas and Electric Co. previously told The Sacramento Bee.

That added electricity use “could increase their electric bills compared to other times of the year,” PG&E said.

Instead of arriving during lower-usage months, the California Public Utilities Commission said, the credit will now be applied during periods of higher electricity use, such as the summer, when many residents see their largest utility bills.

“Going forward, Climate Credits will be delivered during high electricity use months, when customers need relief the most,” the commission said.

Who is eligible for an electric bill credit? How much will I receive?

According to the California Public Utilities Commission’s 2026 schedule, residential customers of the following investor-owned utilities are amounts on their electric bills:

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• 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

“This summer, customers with an active electric account will receive a $36.18 California Climate on their August and September billing statements, providing a total of $72.36 in relief,” PG&E said.

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 changes, the California Climate Credit for natural gas will shift to February starting in 2027.

Credits will range from $30 to $50.

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 action 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 carry over 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.”