Latest news with #CaliforniaClimateCredit
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Revolutionary government program raises $28 billion, and millions of one state's residents are benefiting: 'A win for ordinary people'
In 2012, California set a precedent for how a state government can take action against planet-warming pollution. The result of these actions diverted billions of dollars to communities in need across the state. California created a cap-and-trade program, which set a limit on carbon emissions that was to decline every year until the end of the contract in 2030. It also required companies to purchase permits or "allowances" to cover their carbon emissions. Companies that needed to go over their allowance could trade with other companies, but overall, the program created an economic incentive for companies to move forward with cleaner policies that reduced pollution. The fees from these allowances were then distributed across multiple agencies, including the California Natural Resources Agency's Urban Greening Program. One of the most remarkable projects created with this funding was a living schoolyard in Oakland, made possible with a $1.2 million grant from the CNRA. What used to be an asphalt lot was turned into vegetable gardens, a pollinator garden, an outdoor classroom, grass fields, and 65 new trees. Since 2012, this program has brought in $28 billion, $11.6 billion of which has already been translated into community projects. California residents are also now seeing an average of $137 in savings on their utility bills through the California Climate Credit. This program is eligible to be renewed and extended until 2045. If California lawmakers choose to extend it, residents can expect to see $47 billion in revenue, $55 billion in economic growth for California, and an additional 287,000 jobs. "California's cap-and-trade program hasn't just been a win for the climate; it's been a win for ordinary people who can see in their neighborhoods and on their utility bills that it's paying off. And there's billions more to come if we get this right," said Caroline Jones, a climate policy expert at the Environmental Defense Fund. Whether it's investing in solar panels, food security, or bike lanes for crowded urban areas, it's been proven that the happiest people and countries in the world are the ones in areas of less pollution and with stronger community programs. This program was spotlighted in the Environmental Defense Fund's Vital Signs newsletter, which is a stellar source for good-news stories, climate change solutions, and advice for taking action in your own community. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California households to get $137 utility bill credits for climate relief measures
( — Gov. Gavin Newsom recently announced that millions of Californians will receive $137 credits on their April gas and electric bills.•Video above: CA State Senate Hearing Addresses Increasing Utility Rates According to a statement from Newsom's office, the California Climate Credit will automatically be added to people's bills every April and October as a direct result of the state's nation-leading Cap-and-Trade climate program, which requires polluters to pay for climate action. Officials said that the Program is managed by the California Air Resources Board and the credit on the utility bills represents the consumer's share of payments from the State's program. Newsom stated, 'Every year, our Cap-and-Trade program provides essential funding to California's efforts to clean the air while also giving residents money back on their utility bills. Millions of California families will benefit from this relief.' Activities to do in Sacramento on March 22 and 23 weekend Since 2014, California households have received an average of $1,120 in combined automatic April and October climate credits on their bills, according to a statement from Newsom's office. The way the credit works is that Californians whose electricity bills range from $35 to $259 will receive between $56 and $81, and residential customers of PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Gas Company, and Southwest Gas will receive around $54 to $87 on natural gas bills, as stated by officials from Newsom's office. California residents can check how much their credit will be here. In addition to the utility bill credits, the California Cap-and-Trade program has funded $28 billion in climate investments, resulting in over half a million projects across the state, supporting 30,000 jobs and reducing millions of tons of carbon emissions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
18-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
PG&E customers to receive a credit of up to $125 on April utility bill
Millions of Pacific Gas and Electric customers will receive a credit on their bills next month thanks to the California Climate Credit, the utility said Tuesday. PG&E said in a press release that residential households with an active electric account will receive a credit of $58.23 on their April bill, while households with an active gas account will receive a credit of $67.03. Customers receiving both gas and electric service from PG&E will get both credits for a total of $125.26. The utility said residential customers receive electric credits in April and October, while natural gas customers receive an annual credit in April. Eligible small business customers also receive identical electric credits, distributed twice a year. "We know many of our customers are feeling the pressure of rising energy bills," said a prepared statement from Vincent Davis, PG&E senior vice president for customer experience. "We support bill relief for families and fostering a more climate-resilient future." The California Climate Credit is funded by the state's Cap-and-Trade Program and distributed to PG&E customers as directed by the California Public Utilities Commission, the utility said. Cap and trade refers to a government regulatory program designed to limit, or cap, companies' greenhouse gas emissions. The state distributes permits to companies to allow them to emit a set amount of emissions and companies can trade the permits, buying or selling on the open market, creating an incentive for reducing their emissions. Aside from the credits provided to California investor-owned utility customers, funds generated by the Cap-and-Trade Program also pay for solar and clean energy and energy efficiency programs in disadvantaged communities.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Spring Bill Relief: Up to $125 California Climate Credit Automatically Applied to PG&E Customers' Energy Bills
Small Business Customers Also Receive Credit OAKLAND, Calif., March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Millions of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers will automatically receive the California Climate Credit on their April energy bill. Residential households with an active electric account will receive an electric credit of $58.23. Residential households with an active gas account will receive a credit of $67.03. Customers receiving both gas and electric service from PG&E will receive a total April credit of $125.26. Residential and eligible small business customers receive identical electric credits in April and October. Residential natural gas customers receive a credit in April. The California Climate Credit is funded by the state's Cap-and-Trade Program. It is distributed by PG&E to customers as directed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The Cap-and-Trade Program requires companies to pay for [certain] emissions. Revenue from the program is also used by the state to improve public health and the environment and provide meaningful benefits to the most disadvantaged communities. The bill credit is designed to help customers during the transition to a more sustainable future. "We know many of our customers are feeling the pressure of rising energy bills. We support bill relief for families and fostering a more climate-resilient future," said Vincent Davis, Senior Vice President, Customer Experience. Since 2014, the CPUC calculates PG&E residential customers have received an average of nearly $1,000 in California Climate Credits, totaling more than $12.9 billion in Cap-and-Trade Program benefits statewide. To explore other ways to save energy, reduce monthly bills, and protect the planet, customers are encouraged to use a new Savings Finder, enroll in the Budget Billing program, or visit Save Energy & Money. Income-eligible Assistance Programs California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE): provides a monthly discount of 20% or more on gas and electricity bills. Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA): provides a monthly discount of 18% on electricity for households of three or more people. Energy Savings Assistance (ESA): provides energy-savings improvements at no charge. Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH): offers a one-time energy credit for income-eligible customers of up to $300 based on a past-due balance. Arrearage Management Plan (AMP): a debt forgiveness plan for eligible residential customers. Other programs include Medical Baseline, which offers a reduction on energy bills for customers who depend on power for certain medical needs. Energy Efficiency DIY Toolkit Did you know you can lower energy bills and save money by building an Energy Efficiency DIY Tool Kit? With a $200 investment in energy-efficient materials, customers can save hundreds of dollars each year. About PG&EPacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit and View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company Sign in to access your portfolio
