What the PPP Charge Is
The Public Purpose Programs (PPP) Charge is a non-bypassable line item on every California investor-owned utility customer’s bill. Established under Public Utilities Code §381 (1996), codified through AB 1890, the charge funds California’s statewide ratepayer-funded energy programs administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
What You Have Paid Since 1998
PG&E residential customers have funded PPP continuously since January 1, 1998. The current Electric PPP rate is approximately 1.4¢/kWh, equating to ~$10–$15 per month for a typical residential home, or roughly $3,000–$5,000 per household over the program’s lifetime. Funds are non-refundable and collected regardless of whether the customer enrolls in any associated program.
What the Fund Administers
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| CARE | California Alternate Rates for Energy. Income-qualified bill discount (20–35%). |
| ESA | Energy Savings Assistance Program. No-cost efficiency upgrades for income-qualified households (insulation, refrigerator replacement, LED, weatherization). |
| SGIP | Self-Generation Incentive Program. Behind-the-meter battery storage incentives. |
| EE | Statewide Energy Efficiency. Rebates, audits, equipment incentives. |
| RPS | Renewables Portfolio Standard. Implementation, accelerated under SB 100 (2018) mandating 100% clean electricity by 2045. |
| RD&D | Research, Development & Demonstration. Clean-energy and grid R&D. |
Program Access
California ratepayers may apply directly through the administering agency, the utility, or an authorized program coordinator. Program-specific eligibility, enrollment, and benefit detail is maintained on the corresponding reference page on this site.
Regulatory Authority
PUC §381 · AB 1890 (1996) · AB 1054 (Wildfire Fund Act, 2019) · SB 100 (Clean Energy 2045) · CPUC Triennial Review
Last reviewed: May 27, 2026.