PG&E reminded ratepayers Thursday that they will receive a biannual credit worth up to $63 on their April utility bill.
PG&E customers who receive both natural gas and electricity from the company will receive a $62.91 credit while electricity-only customers will receive a $35.73 credit and gas-only customers will receive $27.18.
PG&E officials expect the credit to come at an opportune time in light of the novel coronavirus outbreak that has kept people from going to work and, in many cases, getting paid. “During the COVID-19 public health crisis, we know that many of our customers may face uncertainty and financial instability due to school and childcare closures, job loss and other economic impacts,” PG&E Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Laurie Giammona said. “We want customers to be aware that the semi-annual California Climate Credit will help reduce their energy costs this month.”
The credit comes from fees the state collects from power plants, gas companies and other polluters through the cap-and-trade program. Investor-owned and public utility companies then disperse the customer share of the program’s revenue.
PG&E has also offered to assist its customers with flexible payment plans if they are unable to pay the amount of their full monthly bill due to a loss of income during the pandemic. The company has also issued a moratorium on service disconnections due to a customer’s inability to pay. “We also have numerous tips, tools and programs for customers to help lower their energy usage and bills,” Giammona said. “We encourage customers to evaluate those options and take advantage of them.”