Southern California Edison issues $72 climate credit to summer electricity customers

Southern California Edison announced that customers will receive a $72 climate credit on their summer electricity bills, distributed in two installments—one in August and the other in September. The credit originates from a California program requiring major emitters to buy carbon pollution allowances, and regulators shifted its delivery to the high-usage summer months. CEO Steve Powell highlighted that the credit, combined with a 4.3% rate decline since December, is intended to make energy more affordable amid rising costs.

The utility serves roughly 15 million people in the region. Edison is also under investigation for its role in the January 2025 Eaton fires, which killed 19 people and razed over 9,000 structures, with allegations that the company kept power on during a severe windstorm despite warnings. Court filings indicate the blaze began at a tower where faulty safety equipment ignited hot metal particles onto nearby vegetation. A trial to determine possible negligence is scheduled for January.