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MILLIONS of Americans could be eligible for heating credits for their electric bills this fall and winter.
The direct payment opportunity comes as part of an environmentally conscious effort and doesn’t require recipients to take any action.
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Officials with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) are sending the money as part of the California Climate Credit through the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), per San Francisco CW affiliate KRON.
Vincent Davis, senior vice president at PG&E, called the move a “win-win for our customers.”
He emphasized that the funds not only assist customers’ financial situations but also work to limit emissions in The Golden State.
“The California Climate Credit helps reduce customers’ energy bills and our state’s greenhouse gas emissions,” Davis told the outlet.
The electric credit benefits both residential and small business customers with PG&E.
PAYMENT AMOUNT
Starting in October, a credit amount of $55.17 will be sent out to residential and small business customers with an active account.
For residential customers, it’s the same as a credit they’d previously received in April alongside a natural gas credit of $85.46.
That means the total credit assistance they’ll receive from PG&E and CPUC in 2024 is $195.80.
For small business customers, there was no $85.46 natural gas credit with their April electric credit distribution.
With the upcoming October credit, their total for this year will be slightly lower at $110.34.
Residential and small business customers with an open and active account with PG&E should not have to take any further action to receive the credit.
It will be placed automatically on their bills next month.
California has a few other initatives that could see residents get free money this year.
Most are a guaranteed income program.
How does Guaranteed Income work?
Guaranteed Income and Universal Basic Income programs have taken off in popularity recently.
After the Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan of 2021 sent stimulus money to local governments, dozens began testing guaranteed income (GI) systems.
The specifics vary, but GI typically involves payouts to people with low incomes. Unlike traditional welfare, there are no job requirements, drug tests, or other strings attached.
Some have pushed for a Universal Basic Income (UBI), which would go to everyone regardless of how much money they make at work. Alaska has used a similar system since the 1970s.
Proponents say this alleviates poverty while incentivizing work, unlike classic welfare, which cuts benefits from people who begin earning “too much” money to qualify.
Opponents argue such a system is too expensive to function on a large scale and suggest Americans should avoid becoming reliant on government money.
With some cities heralding the success of GI programs, some Republican-led states have moved to ban them. States like Texas and Iowa, for example, have undermined major spending plans by pushing against GI.
FAMILY FIRST
The Sacramento Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP) seeks to assist around 200 low-income families starting this winter.
A study found that Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native households in certain zip codes across Sacramento County had the lowest median household income rates, per behealthysacramento.org.
FFESP wants to eliminate the disparity, starting by giving parents $725 monthly payments over 12 months ($8,700 total) get their finances and mental health in a good spot.
Those interested in more information about the qualifications and application process can head to the FFESP website.
Applications open on September 30 and close on October 13.
Residents in Pomonoa, California, could also get $500 payments for 18 months if they meet certain criteria.
Advancing Fresno County is also offering $500 distributions over 12 months to select candidates as part of another guaranteed income program.
