September brings another California Climate Credit to eligible residential electric accounts at PG&E, Southern California Edison and SDG&E. For homeowners reviewing summer bills or exploring solar, it is a useful moment to understand where that relief comes from and how it fits into a longer-term energy plan.
What is changing on September bills?
The CPUC's April 30, 2026 decision announcement moved these utilities' residential electric credits to August and September beginning this year. The aim is to deliver relief during months when household electricity bills tend to be higher. Eligible customers receive the credit automatically.
According to the CPUC's 2026 credit schedule, checked September 8, the September residential electric amounts are $36.18 for PG&E, $36.00 for SCE and $49.36 for SDG&E. Each utility lists the same amount for August; the September figure is one credit, not the combined summer total.
These amounts concern electricity. The residential natural-gas credit had a separate April distribution in 2026. Customers of smaller electric utilities have a different schedule, so check the CPUC table for your provider.
Do solar customers still receive the credit?
Yes. The CPUC's eligibility FAQ says having solar does not change the credit for an otherwise eligible customer. Eligible community choice energy customers also receive it. Publicly owned utilities such as SMUD and LADWP are outside this CPUC program.
Look for the California Climate Credit line on your bill. If it is missing, contact your utility about your account. PG&E's current guidance specifies that an account must be active during the distribution month.
How should you include it in a solar PPA comparison?
Our practical recommendation is to account for the credit consistently in both the utility-only estimate and the proposed solar-plus-battery estimate whenever the account remains eligible. That makes the project's own contribution easier to see. A credit available without installing solar should not be counted as an additional saving created by the installation.
Use a full year of electricity history, and ask the proposal to show remaining utility charges, solar payments and battery charges together. September's bill alone cannot represent every season. Future credit amounts can change, so label any assumptions about later years.
A qualifying no-upfront solar-plus-battery PPA can be an appealing way to access equipment while preserving cash. The provider owns the solar system, and you pay for its generated electricity. Confirm eligibility, battery inclusion, all installation charges, the rate, any escalator, contract length, maintenance and home-sale terms. The CPUC's Solar Consumer Protection Guide explains these arrangements. Ongoing payments continue, and savings depend on the actual offer.
Turn bill relief into a useful planning conversation
A battery can add everyday flexibility and, with compatible backup equipment, support selected circuits during outages. PG&E's battery guide explains that available charge, household demand and solar conditions affect backup duration.
Read our California PPA guide, then explore the homeowner journey. Bring your recent bills to a consultation with a West Coast Alternatives energy specialist to compare a solar-plus-battery proposal around your home's needs.