Additional help is on the way, as Clean Power Alliance (CPA) continues to do all it can to assist our customers who have fallen behind on their electricity bills during the COVID-19 pandemic. The California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) is a new program distributing $1 billion in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to help address California energy utility customers’ energy debts. The program provides a one-time credit to reduce past-due energy bill balances accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Established by Governor Newsom and the California Legislature in the 2021-2022 State Budget, the program is administered by the Department of Community Services and Development (CSD).
CPA provided the necessary arrearage data and a CAPP funding allocation of nearly $16 million has been approved for CPA. Eligible CPA customers will automatically receive their benefit. Please note: Customers do not need to do anything. These CAPP credits will help get many of our customers back on track with their electricity bills and allow them to pay their bills on time moving forward. One of the primary purposes of the program is to provide additional support to customers at risk of disconnection.
All CPA customers who have unpaid bills from the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Relief Period (March 4, 2020, to June 15, 2021) are eligible for CAPP. However, not all eligible customers will necessarily receive a credit. The State of California’s payment guidelines are based on customer need and eligible charges billed during the COVID-19 Pandemic Bill Relief Period. Qualified customers will receive the credit in this order:
1. Active residential customers
2. Inactive residential customers
3. Commercial customers
Because of limited funding, we do not anticipate that non-residential customers will receive a CAPP credit. In addition, customers who are on special rates, including Medical Baseline, California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE), Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA), Disadvantaged Community (DAC) business partners, military, and first responders, are not currently prioritized for the CAPP credit.
It is anticipated that CPA customers receiving a CAPP credit will have the credit applied to their bill during the first half of February 2022. The credit will appear as a payment on the billing statement.
To view the California Department of Community Services & Development’s CAPP Frequently Asked Questions Page click here.
Questions? Reach out to our Customer Support Team at customerservice@cleanpoweralliance.org or 888-585-3788.
Mark Hum serves as Senior Associate, Communications and Marketing at Clean Power Alliance. He is a marketing and communications strategist with a background in medtech and life sciences, where he supported initiatives spanning multiple industries across both B2B and consumer-facing brands. His work is grounded in a copywriter’s mindset, starting with audience needs and translating complex ideas into clear, compelling stories that build trust and understanding. Mark has led integrated communications across digital, social, email, web, and stakeholder channels, with an emphasis on accessibility, consistency, and measurable impact. He brings a strong appreciation for structure and narrative, ensuring that every message serves a purpose and connects with people in a meaningful way. Mark holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).
Prapassara “Pom” Saengxuto serves as Finance and Accounting Analyst at CPA. She is a Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance. Throughout her career, she has worked across a wide range of industries, including public accounting, private corporations, entertainment, manufacturing, consulting and construction. This diverse background allows her to bring a well-rounded and practical perspective to every engagement. Pom is known for her strong dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy. She works effectively both independently and as part of a team, consistently supporting organizations in making informed, strategic financial decisions. Her approach combines technical expertise with a deep sense of responsibility and professionalism.