photo credit: Marc Albert/KRCB
Electrical substation in Petaluma

Many utility customers, accustomed to sticker shock when opening electric bills are in for a bit of a surprise, in a good way.

Along with their next invoices, millions of Californians will be receiving their twice-a-year bill credit.

The refund to customers is essentially a portion of cap and trade credits utilities must purchase under California's cap and trade climate program.

Governor Gavin Newsom Thursday announced the credits will appear on bills in April, automatically.

Pacific Gas & Electric customers will receive a credit of $140.63, according to the California Public Utilities Commission, that's just about six dollars less than what the average California household can expect.

Customers of third party entities known as community choice aggregators can also expect credits.

Sonoma Clean Power customers will receive the same credit amount as PG&E customers. That's according to Kate Kelly, a spokesperson for Sonoma Clean Power.

The bill credits typically automatically appear on April and October bills.