Some Kern County residents received an email from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today, saying that their monthly utility bills will now include what's known as a "California Climate Credit."

The email said that millions of households throughout the state will receive the credit on their utility bills.

The payment reportedly comes from a California program that is fighting climate change; the email states that recipients "can use the bill savings from your Climate Credit however you choose, but you can save even more money by investing the savings in energy-saving home upgrades, including more efficient lights and appliances."

The Climate Credit program is a result of legislation called the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.

You can find more information on similar programs here.