SWIFT SAVINGS: Americans to automatically get $195 in heating credits for electric bills – and it’ll hit accounts in days

According to The Sun, Millions of Americans could soon be eligible for heating credits for their electric bills this fall and winter as part of an environmentally conscious initiative that requires no action from recipients.

California Climate Credit

Officials with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) are sending the funds through the California Climate Credit in partnership with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), as reported by San Francisco CW affiliate KRON. Vincent Davis, senior vice president at PG&E, described the initiative as a “win-win for our customers,” emphasizing that the funds not only help alleviate financial burdens but also contribute to reducing emissions in California.

Payment Amount

Starting in October, residential and small business customers with an active account will receive a credit of $55.17. For residential customers, this amount matches the credit they previously received in April, along with a natural gas credit of $85.46. This means the total credit assistance from PG&E and CPUC for 2024 will be $195.80.

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Small business customers, on the other hand, will not receive the natural gas credit and will see a total of $110.34 for the year with the upcoming October credit. Fortunately, both residential and small business customers with an open and active PG&E account will not need to take any additional steps to receive the credit, as it will be automatically applied to their bills next month.

Additional Assistance Programs

California has implemented several other initiatives that could provide residents with additional financial assistance this year. Most of these initiatives are part of guaranteed income programs.

Family First Economic Support Pilot

One noteworthy program is the Sacramento Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP), which aims to assist approximately 200 low-income families starting this winter. A study indicated that Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native households in specific zip codes within Sacramento County had the lowest median household income rates, according to behealthysacramento.org. FFESP seeks to address this disparity by offering parents $725 monthly payments over 12 months, totaling $8,700, to help stabilize their finances and improve mental health.

Interested individuals can find more information about qualifications and the application process on the FFESP website. Applications will open on September 30 and close on October 13.

Other Financial Opportunities

Residents in Pomona, California, may also qualify for $500 payments for 18 months if they meet specific criteria. Additionally, the Advancing Fresno County program is offering $500 distributions over 12 months to select candidates as part of another guaranteed income initiative.