LOS ANGELES — Californians who have been reeling from unusually high gas bills this winter will soon get relief. The California Public Utilities Commission on Thursday decided to speed up a $1.3 billion program that gives customers a semiannual credit for helping the state reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

The so-called climate credit is usually automatically applied to customers’ bills in April and October, but the April amount will instead be issued as soon as possible.

“December saw one of the highest natural gas price spikes in recent memory,” CPUC Commissioner Darcie L. Houck said in a statement. “This price volatility is another excellent reminder of the urgent need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in our homes and energy system.”

Southern California Gas customers can expect to receive a $50.77 credit. The utility, which serves over 22 million customers in the Southern part of the state, is one of seven that will accelerate the spring climate credit. 

The climate credit is part of a state program that requires power plants, natural gas distributors and other industries that emit greenhouse gases to buy carbon pollution permits. Auctioned by the California Air Resources Board, the permits help the state meet its emission reduction goals. The credit customers receive reflects their share of the state’s program.