Latest news with #Cap-and-TradeProgram
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Officials announce plans to spend $500 million on next-gen school buses that will be safer for students: 'Committed to continuing efforts to reduce children's exposure'
Students across California will be riding in sustainable style, thanks to 1,000 new electric school buses that the state is purchasing. The state is spending $500 million on the new buses, which will go to more than 130 school districts in rural and low-income areas, The Washington Post reported. Also included in that funding is money for about 500 school bus charging stations. The buses are mostly paid for by California's Cap-and-Trade Program. The program caps the allowable amount of annual carbon emissions and allows for a limited number of allowances to be purchased at auction, with each allowance equal to one metric ton of emissions. "California is committed to continuing efforts to reduce children's exposure to toxic diesel pollution through the deployment of zero-emission school buses," California Air Resources Board chair Liane Randolph said. "State funding is especially critical as schools grapple with the rollback of federal support." Hundreds of school districts nationwide are waiting on federal funding to cover the costs of their own electric buses. The Environmental Protection Agency previously promised $900 million in funding to cover the costs of more than 3,400 such buses, but that funding has now been frozen under the Trump Administration. Electric school buses produce no tailpipe pollution, making them significantly better for the environment than their gas-powered counterparts. Over its lifecycle, a gas-powered bus generates up to three times as many carbon emissions as an electric option, according to Environmental Defense Fund data. Electric buses aren't just eco-friendly and considerably better for students' health, but they're also good financial investments. Although their up-front costs are higher than those of their gas-powered counterparts, fuel and maintenance savings can make electric buses considerably cheaper over time. Data shows that the total cost of ownership for an electric school bus, over its lifespan, can be as much as $243,000 less than a diesel bus. Should the government be paying us to upgrade our homes? Definitely Depends on how much it costs Depends on what it's for No way 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
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Californians can receive up to $137 off their April utility bills. Here's how
Thanks to the state's Cap-and-Trade Program, Californians can expect an average of $137 in credits on their April gas and electric bills. The climate credit provides ratepayers with their share of the benefits from the state program, which focuses on reducing the state's overall greenhouse gas emissions. '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,' Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. 200+ breweries launching 'We Love LA' beer line with proceeds going to Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts The credits range from $35 to $259 for electricity, with most set to receive $56 to $81, according to the governor's office. The credit for natural gas bills will range from $56 to $81. The credits are available to residential customers of PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Gas Company and Southwest Gas. Californians do not need to do anything to get the credit. Residents can check to see how much their credit will be here. Since 2014, California households have received an average of $1,120 in combined automatic April and October climate credits on their utility bills. 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
