Gift From the State

[Gregory Matthews]

My electric bill came today.  I noticed a credit of $23 + that I did not understand.

Well, under legislation that was passed in 2006, called the Global Warming Solutions Act the utility company was giving me that gift..

It was explained to me that the purpose of that money was to assist me in purchasing energy saving upgrades to my home.  However, under the law, I was not required to use the refund for that purpose.  In fact, I could use it in any way that I wished.

Well, as my wife said, that small amount is not going to encourage us to purchase anything,  In fact, when we purchased the home in which we now live, we spent a lot of money on energy saving upgrades.  E.G.  our lights are almost 100% LED.

All in all, I find this interesting.  Of course, there is no free money.  In the long run, the money that I  got as a credit came from money that I had paid the utility company.

 

 

 

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

if they gave you a credit (rather than sent you a check), it's rather inane of the utility company to assume you'll use the $23 to buy anything, as it was already applied to your bill (if I understood your description correctly)... 

[Gregory Matthews]

You understand it correctly.

Also, how much would a $23 and change check cover in the purchase of something that was energy saving.

In a locally subsidized program, some common style light bulbs sold for $3.  But, under most other circumstances, $23 would not purchase two bulbs.

We also replaced many of our light switches with a dimmer switch.  We did this for the few lights that are not LED and also for many of our LED lights.  Those dimmer switches cost more than $23 each.

 

[Outta Here]

You might find this interesting https://www.energyupgradeca.org/en/see-whats-new-and-fun/faqs/residential-climate-credit-faq

 

[Gregory Matthews]

I find it very interesting.  Thank you.