California Electric Credit: What to Do If Your $75 Didn’t Arrive

The electric credit in California was applied automatically during August and September 2026 to millions of residential customers. If the discount does not appear on either of those bills, the user should review their provider and first contact the electric company.

What Is California’s Electric Credit?

The benefit is called the California Climate Credit and appears as a separate line item on the bill. The program returns to residential customers part of the revenue obtained through Cap-and-Invest, the state system that requires emission permits from major polluters.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) manages the distribution of the credit. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) manages the emissions market that generates those funds. Governor Gavin Newsom announced on September 22 that the program would distribute $886 million during 2026. The benefit requires no enrollment or additional application.

How Much Should Each Customer Receive?

The official amounts for 2026 were different for each company. The credit applies per eligible residential account, regardless of how much electricity the household consumes. The $75 average mentioned by the state is a general figure. It does not mean that each household receives exactly that amount.