Californians To Receive Up To $175 Off Their April Utility Bill: Here’s Why

Californians can expect a pleasant surprise on their April utility bills , thanks to the state's Cap-and-Trade Program. Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Monday (April 1) that residents will receive a "climate credit" that will reduce their utility bills by an average of $146.

According to KGET , the credit is a result of the state's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It gives ratepayers their share of the benefits from the Cap-and-Trade Program. The credit will automatically apply to utility bills, so residents don't need to do anything to receive it .

"Every year, California's nation-leading climate laws deliver real climate action while giving you money back on your utility bills," Newsom said in a statement. "This relief will support millions of California families."

The credit will vary depending on the utility company and the type of utility. Electricity bill rebates will range from $32 to $175, while natural gas bill rebates will range from $58 to $86.

The "climate credit" will benefit residential customers of several utility companies , including PG&E, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Gas Company, Bear Valley, Liberty, PacifiCorp, and Southwest Gas. Residents can also expect to see another "climate credit" on their electric and gas bills in October.

Since 2014, California households have already received an average of $971 in combined automatic April and October climate credits on their utility bills, totaling more than $14 billion statewide, according to the governor’s office .