2022 California Arrearage Payment Program

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What is the 2022 California Arrearage Payment Program Bill Credit?

The 2022 California Arrearage Payment Program, or 2022 CAPP, is a state program to help pay eligible residential customers’ past due energy utility bills that increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

2022 CAPP will reduce or eliminate qualified residential customers’ unpaid electric and gas bills by directly applying a bill credit to their utility bill. 

Customers do not need to apply for 2022 CAPP and assistance will be distributed by state energy utility companies that choose to participate.

2022 CAPP bill credits are courtesy of the State of California and are targeted to help residential utility customers that fell behind on their energy bills because of the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Customers may qualify for a 2022 CAPP credit if they had an unpaid energy utility bill for services between March 4, 2020 and December 31, 2021.​

How will I know if I qualified for 2022 CAPP?

Energy utilities that apply for and receive 2022 CAPP funds are responsible for distributing 2022 CAPP benefits to eligible residential utility customers. 

Residential customers that qualify for a 2022 CAPP benefit will automatically receive a credit on their energy utility bill. 

The bill credit will be labeled one of the following:

  • “2022 California Arrearage Payment Program Bill Credit” 
  • “2022 Cal. Arrearage Payment Program Credit​”
  • “2022 CAPP Credit.” 

Customers may also be notified through another statement from their energy utility. Residential energy utility customers don’t need to apply to receive a 2022 CAPP credit. Energy utilities apply on behalf of all eligible residential customers. Eligibility for a CAPP benefit and the amount of a bill credit will vary depending on the utility and program rules.​

If you have questions about your 2022 CAPP benefit or your eligibility status, please contact your energy utility's customer service department.​​

​​​​Click here to view​ the 2022 CAPP Energy Utility Customer Service Contact List​​​​​

Questions for the Department of Community Services and Development may be directed to (866) 675-6623.​​​

What if I still owe money on my energy bill after 2022 CAPP?

Under 2022 CAPP, your energy utility company is required to offer payment plans to customers with a remaining balance after a 2022 CAPP bill credit has been applied to their account. 

Contact your energy utility to learn about payment plans and other programs that may be available to help you pay your bill and reduce your energy costs.

In addition to 2022 CAPP, the State of California may also be able to help through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)​ , which provides financial assistance to help low-income residential households pay their energy bills​.

Having difficulty paying your water bill? California also can provide financial assistance to help low-income households pay their water or sewer bill through the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).

​​​CONSUMER PROTECTIONS

2022 CAPP provides a number of consumer protections for residential customers that are eligible for a benefit. 

​Utilities that receive 2022 CAPP funding are required to:
​
  • Not disconnect customers with arrearages accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic bill relief period while the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) reviews and approves all pending 2022 CAPP applications.

  • ​Waive late fees and accrued interest for residential customers awarded a 2022 CAPP benefit.

  • Not disconnect a 2022 CAPP recipient’s utility service for 90 days after a 2022 CAPP benefit is applied, regardless of the balance owed.

  • Notify customers of the option to enter into an extended repayment plan, with late fees and penalties waived, if they received a 2022 CAPP benefit and have a remaining balance after that benefit is applied.​

​RESOURCES

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​​​​Click here for more information about the 2022 California Arrearage Payment Program​​​​

 

 

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