California, September 27, 2025
News Summary
California households will receive over $700 million in automatic electric bill refunds through the California Climate Credit program in October 2025. Over 11.5 million households are expected to benefit, with average credits around $61. These refunds come from a program designed to address climate change and will also extend to small businesses. Recent legislation aims to enhance future credits, increasing support for residents and contributing to California’s climate initiatives.
California households are set to receive over $700 million in automatic refunds on their electric bills through the California Climate Credit program in October 2025. This initiative will impact more than 11.5 million households, making it one of the largest refunds of its kind in the state’s history. The average credit amount for each household is expected to be around $61, with refunds ranging from $35 to $259. Most households will likely receive between $56 and $81.
In addition to the residential refunds, approximately $60 million will be allocated to qualifying small businesses. This credit follows a similar refund that households received in April, bringing the average total refund for 2025 to approximately $198 per customer. The California Climate Credit program, which is part of California’s Cap-and-Invest Program, automatically credits eligible residential customers’ bills twice a year—once in April and once in October.
The new legislation signed last week aims to enhance future credits under the Climate Credit program, with up to $60 billion earmarked for the electric Climate Credit through 2045. Although specific refund amounts resulting from this legislation have yet to be announced, state officials project that these changes will lead to increased refunds starting in the next year.
Program Context and Background
The California Climate Credit program is managed by the California Air Resources Board and is part of a broader Cap-and-Invest initiative designed to address climate change. The program has generated significant funding for various climate-related projects, totaling $33 billion designated for affordable housing near job centers, high-speed rail, and zero-emission transportation projects targeting underserved communities. To date, initiatives funded by this program have created over 120,000 jobs and contributed to the reduction of millions of tons of carbon emissions in the state.
Since the year 2000, California’s greenhouse gas emissions have dropped by 20%, while the state’s GDP has grown by an impressive 78%, establishing it as the world’s fourth-largest economy. In a significant milestone for clean energy, in 2023, two-thirds of California’s electricity was generated from clean sources, with the state’s grid operating on 100% clean energy for parts of nearly every day.
Since its launch in 2014, the California Climate Credit program has provided a cumulative total of $14.6 billion in refunds to residential utility customers. The refunds will be automatically credited to customers of various utility providers, including PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Gas Company, and Southwest Gas. Customers who do not notice the credited amount on their electric bills are encouraged to reach out to their utility provider for assistance.
Key Facts Summary
- Over 11.5 million households to receive refunds totaling over $700 million.
- Average credit amount per household expected to be approximately $61.
- Refund amounts will range from $35 to $259, with most between $56 and $81.
- In total, California Climate Credit program distributed $14.6 billion since 2014.
FAQ Section
When will California households receive the refunds?
Households will receive automatic refunds on their October electric bills through the California Climate Credit program.
How much will the total payments for residential customers be?
Total payments for residential customers in October will exceed $700 million.
What is the average credit amount per household?
The average credit amount per household will be approximately $61.
What ranges of refund amounts can households expect?
The refund amounts range from $35 to $259, with most households expected to receive between $56 and $81.
Have households received credits earlier in 2025?
Yes, households received a similar credit in April, bringing the average total refund for 2025 to $198 per customer.
What has new legislation recently signed aimed to do?
New legislation signed last week aims to increase future credits, with up to $60 billion allocated to the electric Climate Credit through 2045.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox40: California to Give Out Millions in Electricity Refunds Next Month
- LA Times: Millions of Californians are Getting a Refund on their Electric Bill
- KSBY: California Residents Can Expect a Credit on Their Electric Bill Next Month
- Wikipedia: Climate Credit
- ABC10: California Credits Electric Climate
- Google Search: California Climate Credit
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego 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 Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
