Washington state policy makers are putting a significant focus on environmental justice, with the goal of cutting climate pollution by 95 percent over the next 30 years.

Residential electricity customers across the state may be eligible for a one-time $200 energy credit, funded by the state’s landmark Climate Commitment Act, through the Washington Families Clean Energy Credits Grant program. The $150 million initiative is paid for by the CCA’s carbon-pricing program, which requires the state’s largest polluters to reduce emissions or purchase allowances to cover them.

Per state guidelines, these funds will be prioritized to members at or below the 80 percent area median income. If funds remain, that requirement can go up to 150 percent of the area median income.

“Washington state and the Climate Commitment Act are giving out these credits because the increasing expense of utility bills for many households presents a significant obstacle for residents as the state transitions toward a clean energy future. The bill credits are to help alleviate these costs for these households,” according to Orcas Power and Light Cooperative.

To apply, visit https://wacleanenergycredits.com/relief_program. You will need your OPALCO account number, the county where the account is located, your billing address zip code, the number of people in your household as of today, and the total gross (pre-tax) annual income for all current adult household members for last year (2023). You won’t need to upload any documents to apply. The funds will be distributed by Sept. 15, 2024, as a credit to customers’ electricity accounts. Those already enrolled in energy assistance may receive the credit automatically; check with OPALCO at 360-376-3500.

According to the Seattle Times, voters will decide whether to repeal the carbon-pricing program this November with Initiative 2117. Supporters say it has funded various grants and provided energy assistance to those in need. Opponents say it’s a “cash grab” by the state that has resulted in higher consumer prices.

The energy credit is just one component of many within the CCA, which was passed by the state legislature in 2021. Other potential offerings are free bus rides, ferry funding and heat pump assistance for low-income households.

The CCA is designed as a “cap-and-invest” program to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions. It works by setting an emissions limit, or cap, and then lowering that cap over time to ensure Washington meets the greenhouse gas reduction commitments set in state law. California and Washington are the only two states with such an initiative.

The program started on Jan. 1, 2023, and the first emissions allowance auction was held Feb. 28 the same year. Businesses covered by the program must obtain allowances equal to their emissions and submit them to Ecology according to a staggered four-year compliance schedule. The first compliance deadline is Nov. 1, 2024, at which time businesses need to have allowances to cover 30% of their 2023 emissions.

“The Climate Commitment Act supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-investment dollars to work by reducing climate pollution, creating jobs and improving public health,” said OPALCO.