Good news for PG&E customers, they'll be receiving a climate credit of about $30 on their April electric bill. The company says it can pass on the savings because it's producing more clean energy.
This rebate is tied to the state's Global Warming Solutions Act. It's the law mandating utility companies to clean up our air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions back to 1990 levels. Thanks to investments in hydro-electric, solar and wind power, PG&E is able to generate 60% of its electricity without emitting any greenhouse gases. That translated into PG&E having a $592 million surplus of so-called greenhouse gas credits to auction off to other companies. The money is being evenly distributed to all PG&E customers.
PG&E spokesman, Denny Boyles, expects others states will soon jump on board with this idea.
"It's a working model that's going to help clean up our air, but also allow industry to continue and let utilities still generate electricity and not harm customers," said Denny Boyles of PG&E.
"For a change we're actually getting something back than having to give to PG&E or the government, so it's great," said Dave Furtado, a PG&E customer.
The Global Warming Solutions Act has the goal of reducing air pollution by the year 2020. So PG&E and Southern California Edison customers will be receiving these credits on both their April and October bills for at least six more years. However, the discount you receive will fluctuate each time.