Get ready for some unexpected good news in your mailbox this October. California is about to drop a sweet financial surprise for millions of residents through its innovative Cap-and-Invest program. Households across the state can expect electric bill refunds ranging from $35 to $259, with most people receiving between $56 to $81.

This isn’t just about putting cash back in your pocket – it’s part of a larger climate strategy that’s making serious waves. Since 2014, the state has already returned $14.6 billion to utility customers, and this year’s $2.4 billion refund includes credits for electric and natural gas customers, plus support for small businesses.

The best part? You don’t have to lift a finger to get this refund. It’ll automatically be applied to your electric bill, representing your share of payments from California’s climate program. But these credits are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the state’s environmental efforts.

California has been crushing its climate goals, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% since 2000 while simultaneously growing its economy by 78%. The state is now the world’s fourth-largest economy and is setting clean energy records that would make other states jealous. In 2023, California was powered by two-thirds clean energy – a massive achievement for the largest economy globally to accomplish.

The state’s commitment goes beyond just numbers. The Cap-and-Invest program has funded $33 billion in climate investments, creating over 120,000 jobs and making significant strides in sustainable infrastructure. These investments range from building affordable housing near job centers to developing the nation’s first high-speed rail and expanding zero-emission transportation in underserved communities.

Battery storage has also seen an incredible boom, increasing by 1,900% to over 15,000 megawatts since the start of the Newsom Administration. More than 25,000 megawatts of new resources have been added to the electric grid, demonstrating California’s serious commitment to a sustainable future.

So when that credit hits your electric bill this fall, remember: you’re not just saving money, you’re participating in a groundbreaking environmental movement that’s reshaping how we think about energy, economy, and sustainability.