Turning pollution into cash

Thanks to the CCA, a check may be coming your way.

It’s estimated that over 20% of Washington state residents qualify for $200 home energy rebates, so it’s likely that you or someone you know is eligible.

The Washington Families Clean Energy Credits program is funded by revenues from the Cap-and-Invest Climate Commitment Act carbon market. Quarterly auctions of carbon allowances effectively turn warming emissions into cold cash.

This cash delivers energy cost mitigation, as intended by the Legislature when it designed the CCA.

Per the Seattle Times, “The program directs utilities to prioritize customers at or below 80% of the area median income. If there is enough funding eligibility may be expanded to 150% of the area median income. In Seattle, Everett and Vancouver, a qualifying four-person household income ranges from around $110,950 to $226,050. In areas with the lowest cost of living, a qualifying income for a four-person household could range from $72,000 to $135,000.”

Utilities across the state will distribute a one-time $200 bill credit directly to eligible customer accounts by Sept. 15. Credits will be applied automatically to certain customer accounts, and other customers will need to apply. Each utility may have slightly different criteria and processes, according to the Department of Commerce.

Go to https://wacleanenergycredits.com to see if you qualify for the $200 credit. You’ll need to know the name of your utility and your account number. If you qualify, the automated system will walk you through the process to get your credit.

You may be eligible to cash in on Washington state incentives in other ways, too:

Upgrade your home with a new heat pump.

Utility coupons, federal tax rebates, and/or state programs may be available in your area.

Upgrade your ride with a new or used EV.

With Washington’s new EV Instant Rebate program, you may be eligible to get a stackable rebate as a discount off your purchase or lease — up to $9,000 in Instant Rebates on the lease or $5,000 on the purchase of a new qualifying EV — plus up to $7,500 in federal incentives on certain vehicles.