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Energy grants, rebates, and eligibility rules can change quickly, so always double-check details with the official programme provider before applying or paying for any work.
California Home Energy Rebates 2026 are very different from what most homeowners expect. Many people are still looking for programmes that have already closed, expired, or run out of funding.

Some of the biggest incentives in the state ran out of funding in early 2026. The headlines moved on. But most articles did not get updated.
That does not mean the money is gone. Depending on where you live and which utility serves your home, there are still rebates worth thousands of dollars available right now. LADWP customers can access heat pump rebates of up to $7,500 or more on a single installation. SMUD customers have access to $5,000 in active rebates. Low-income households can cut their electricity bills by 30 to 35% every month without touching a single appliance.
This article tells you what is genuinely open, what is waitlisted and worth joining, and exactly what to do based on your situation.
⚠️ Scam warning: Never pay upfront fees or share financial information with anyone claiming to offer guaranteed energy rebates. Always verify programmes directly through official utility companies, state agencies, or programme websites.
🟦 START HERE — Know what you need?
Jump to Programme Status 2026 | HEEHRA Waitlist | HOMES Programme | LADWP Rebates | SMUD Rebates | PG&E SCE SDG&E | Low Income Help | GoGreen Financing | Smart Thermostats | Stacking | Action Plan
Quick Answer: California Home Energy Rebates 2026: What Is Available?
| Programme | Status | Who It Helps | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEEHRA single-family | Waitlist only | Income-qualifying homeowners | Up to $8,000 |
| HOMES | Not yet launched | Income-qualifying households | Up to $8,000 |
| California Energy Smart Homes | 2026 funding exhausted | Homeowners going all-electric | Waitlist |
| LADWP heat pump HVAC | ACTIVE | LADWP customers | Up to $2,500 per ton |
| LADWP heat pump water heater | ACTIVE | LADWP customers | Up to $2,500 per unit |
| LADWP smart thermostat | ACTIVE | LADWP customers | Up to $75 instant rebate |
| SMUD heat pump HVAC | ACTIVE | SMUD customers | Up to $3,000 |
| SMUD panel upgrade bonus | ACTIVE | SMUD gas-to-electric customers | $2,000 |
| Golden State Rebates | ACTIVE | PG&E SCE SDG&E SoCalGas customers | Varies by product |
| SCE smart thermostat | ACTIVE | SCE customers | $75 bill credit |
| CARE bill discount | ACTIVE | Income-qualifying customers | 30 to 35% off bills |
| FERA bill discount | ACTIVE | Moderate income customers | 18% off bills |
| LIHEAP | ACTIVE | Low-income households | Up to $1,500 annually |
| GoGreen Financing | ACTIVE | California homeowners and renters | Up to $50,000 loan |
What Changed in 2026: The Honest Picture
The California home energy rebate landscape shifted dramatically in late 2025 and early 2026. Understanding what happened is essential before you plan any project.
What closed or filled up:
As of February 24, 2026, HEEHRA single-family rebates are fully reserved statewide. The programme is no longer accepting new income verification applications for single-family projects. All submitted reservation requests that were not approved have been put on a waitlist.
TECH Clean California single-family HVAC incentives were fully reserved in Central and Southern California as of January 7, 2026, with Northern California following shortly after.
California Energy Smart Homes announced on April 24, 2026 that effective April 20, 2026, incentive and bonus funding available for 2026 is fully subscribed.
The federal Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The federal Section 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit also expired December 31, 2025. No reduced versions of either credit exist for new 2026 work, confirmed directly by the IRS.
What is still available:
Utility rebates from LADWP, SMUD, PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E are active and in some cases very substantial. Low-income bill assistance through CARE, FERA, and LIHEAP is fully operational. The HEEHRA waitlist is worth joining. GoGreen Financing provides state-backed low-interest loans for qualifying upgrades. And HOMES, the whole-house energy savings rebate programme, has not yet launched in California but is funded and expected to open.
💡 What is coming: Two major programmes are funded but have not yet launched for California single-family homes: HOMES (approximately $291 million) and HEEHRA Phase II ($152 million). When these open, waitlisted projects get priority access. Joining the HEEHRA waitlist now costs nothing and positions you for first access when Phase II funding activates.
HEEHRA: Join the Waitlist Now
What HEEHRA Is
HEEHRA (Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates, also called HEAR) is the IRA-funded rebate programme for specific home electrification upgrades. For California it was administered through TECH Clean California using certified contractors.
What It Paid and What It May Pay Again
California residents with single-family household incomes between 80% and 150% of area median income are eligible for up to $4,000. Californians with household incomes less than 80% AMI are eligible for up to $8,000.
The programme covered heat pump HVAC systems replacing existing non-heat pump heating sources, plus heat pump water heaters, electrical panel upgrades, insulation, wiring, electric dryers, and electric stoves. Equipment must be ENERGY STAR certified and, as of January 2026, must use refrigerants with a global warming potential of 700 or lower.
Why the Waitlist Is Worth Joining
HEEHRA Phase II is being planned by the California Energy Commission with $152 million allocated. No timeline has been confirmed but the programme infrastructure is built and when Phase II activates, waitlisted projects get first access. Do not install equipment expecting reimbursement unless you have an approved reservation.
How to Join the Waitlist
Contact a TECH Clean California certified contractor. Find one at techcleanca.com using the contractor finder. Your contractor submits the reservation through the IRIS system on your behalf.
⚠️ Critical: As of January 2026, heat pump HVAC systems must use refrigerants with a global warming potential of 700 or lower to qualify. R-410A systems no longer qualify. Confirm refrigerant compliance before purchasing any equipment you are hoping to claim a rebate on.
HOMES Programme: Funded but Not Yet Launched
The HOMES programme (Home Owner Managing Energy Savings) rewards whole-house energy efficiency improvements based on energy savings achieved rather than specific products purchased. California has approximately $291 million allocated but the programme has not yet launched for single-family homes.
When it opens, it will provide:
| Energy Saving Achieved | Under 80% AMI | 80% to 150% AMI |
|---|---|---|
| 20% to 35% reduction | Up to $4,000 | Up to $2,000 |
| 35% or more reduction | Up to $8,000 | Up to $4,000 |
Unlike HEEHRA which funds specific appliances, HOMES rewards the overall energy improvement of your home. A project combining insulation, air sealing, and efficient HVAC could qualify for the higher rebate tiers. A smart thermostat that helps demonstrate and sustain those energy savings is often recommended as part of a qualifying package.
To be notified when HOMES launches in California check energy.ca.gov and sign up for updates from your utility provider.

LADWP: The Strongest Active Rebates in Southern California
If the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power serves your home, you currently have access to some of the most valuable active home energy rebates available anywhere in California. These are not income-restricted. Any LADWP residential customer with a qualifying installation is eligible.
Heat Pump HVAC
LADWP heat pump HVAC rebates increased for equipment purchased and installed on or after November 1, 2025.
Ducted central and split systems:
| Efficiency Rating | Rebate Per Ton |
|---|---|
| 15.2 SEER2, 7.7 HSPF2 | $1,000 |
| 16.0 SEER2, 8.0 HSPF2 | $1,050 |
| 16.9 SEER2, 8.1 HSPF2 | $1,100 |
| 17.8 SEER2, 8.1 HSPF2 | $1,150 |
| 18.7 SEER2, 8.5 HSPF2 | $1,200 |
| 19.6 SEER2, 8.9 HSPF2 | $1,250 |
Ductless mini-split systems:
| Efficiency Rating | Rebate Per Ton |
|---|---|
| 15.2 SEER2, 7.8 HSPF2 | $1,500 |
| 16.0 SEER2, 8.1 HSPF2 | $1,650 |
| 17.8 SEER2, 8.5 HSPF2 | $1,950 |
| 20.5 SEER2, 9.1 HSPF2 | $2,500 |
A 3-ton ductless mini-split system at the highest efficiency tier could receive up to $7,500 in LADWP rebates alone. Get at least three quotes and confirm your system’s exact SEER2 rating before purchasing.
One thing worth knowing before you buy: High-efficiency variable-speed heat pump systems perform best when paired with a compatible smart thermostat. A basic thermostat using simple on-off cycling cannot take advantage of variable-speed operation. The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium and Google Nest Learning Thermostat both support multi-stage and variable-speed systems natively and qualify for the LADWP smart thermostat rebate on top of your heat pump rebate.
💡 Pro tip: New construction including accessory dwelling units is not eligible for LADWP heat pump HVAC rebates. The programme covers replacements in existing homes only.
Heat Pump Water Heater
LADWP heat pump water heater rebates also increased from November 1, 2025:
| Tank Size and Efficiency | Rebate Per Unit |
|---|---|
| 30 to 55 gallons, 3.3 UEF | $1,500 |
| 30 to 55 gallons, 3.75 UEF | $2,000 |
| 56 to 75 gallons, 3.5 UEF | $2,100 |
| 76 gallons and above, 3.75 UEF | $2,500 |
The unit must be ENERGY STAR certified with a UEF of at least 3.3 and a minimum 30-gallon storage volume.
Smart Thermostat
LADWP offers up to $75 as an instant rebate on qualifying smart thermostats through its Efficient Product Marketplace. Shop at ladwp.com/residential-services/assistance-programs/efficient-product-marketplace-epm.
How to Apply for LADWP Rebates
Apply online at ladwp.com/crp or by mail. All applications must be postmarked within 12 months of purchase. A final approved building and safety permit is required for heat pump HVAC and heat pump water heater installations. Contact the CRP at 1-800-374-2224 or crp@ladwp.com, Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
SMUD: Strong Rebates in the Sacramento Region
Sacramento Municipal Utility District customers have access to active heat pump rebates representing some of the best value currently available in Northern California.
| Measure | SMUD Rebate |
|---|---|
| Variable-stage heat pump HVAC, gas to electric | $3,000 |
| Two-stage heat pump HVAC (15.2 SEER2 minimum), gas to electric | $2,000 |
| Go Electric Bonus, panel upgrade (gas-to-electric conversion required) | $2,000 |
| Multi-stage heat pump HVAC upgrade, electric to electric | $1,000 |
Work must be done through a SMUD Contractor Network member. Your contractor provides the rebate application for your signature and submits it on your behalf.
Variable-speed heat pump systems, which qualify for the highest SMUD rebate tier, benefit significantly from smart thermostat control. A smart thermostat that communicates with the heat pump rather than simply switching it on and off allows the system to modulate efficiently and deliver the energy savings that justify the higher upfront cost of a variable-speed unit.
To help you budget realistically: SMUD’s own data from actual customer projects shows the median installed cost of a gas-to-electric heat pump HVAC in the SMUD area is $18,897 before rebates, with a range from $5,000 to $65,620 depending on system type and complexity. Get at least three bids before committing.
SMUD rebates can be stacked with statewide and federal incentive programmes. Check current stacking opportunities at incentives.switchison.org.
For questions about rebate status call 916-732-7550. For questions about which upgrades suit your home use SMUD’s XeroHome tool at smud.org/rebates.
PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E: What Is Still Active
For customers of the major investor-owned utilities outside LADWP and SMUD territory, utility rebates are still running though the picture is more variable.
Golden State Rebates is a joint programme covering PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, and SoCalGas customers. It offers instant coupon-based rebates for qualifying smart thermostats, ENERGY STAR room air conditioners, and heat pump water heaters at participating retailers. No contractor involvement required for most coupons. Check current availability at goldenstaterebates.com.
SCE Smart Thermostat Rebate: SCE customers receive a $75 bill credit when enrolling a qualifying smart thermostat in an eligible demand response programme.
PG&E Energy Savings Assistance Programme: Low-income PG&E customers may qualify for no-cost energy upgrades including insulation and heating system replacements. Contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to check eligibility.
SCE Energy Savings Assistance Programme: SCE’s income-qualified programme may provide free or deeply discounted HVAC upgrades for qualifying low-income households. Contact SCE at 1-800-950-2356.
The fastest way to find every rebate available at your specific address is the Switch Is On incentive finder at incentives.switchison.org. Enter your zip code and it returns every active rebate for your location.
Low-Income Bill Assistance: CARE, FERA and LIHEAP
If your main concern right now is your monthly energy bill rather than a capital upgrade, California has three active programmes that can reduce what you pay immediately.
CARE: California Alternate Rates for Energy
CARE offers income-qualifying customers a 30 to 35% discount on electric bills and a 20% discount on natural gas bills.
Income limits effective June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026:
| Household Size | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 to 2 people | $42,300 |
| 3 people | $53,300 |
| 4 people | $64,300 |
| Each additional person | Add $11,000 |
You also qualify automatically if your household receives CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI, SNAP, LIHEAP, WIC, CalWORKs, or several other assistance programmes. Apply through your utility provider. It takes about ten minutes online.
FERA: Family Electric Rate Assistance
FERA reduces electric bills for qualifying households of three or more people by 18%. Income limits sit just above CARE limits.
| Household Size | Annual Income Range |
|---|---|
| 3 people | $53,301 to $66,625 |
| 4 people | $64,301 to $80,375 |
| Each additional person | Add $11,000 to $13,750 |
CARE and FERA are mutually exclusive. Apply through your utility provider.
LIHEAP: Federal Bill and Crisis Assistance
California’s LIHEAP programme provides FY2026 benefits of $94 to $1,500 for heating assistance and $283 to $932 for cooling assistance. Crisis assistance is available up to $1,500. The income eligibility threshold is 60% of state median income and the programme runs year-round.
If your household receives CalFresh, SSI, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs, you qualify for LIHEAP without income paperwork.
Apply through your county Community Services Department. Find your local provider at energyhelp.us or call 1-866-674-6327.
💡 You can combine LIHEAP and CARE simultaneously. CARE and FERA are mutually exclusive but LIHEAP stacks with either. If you qualify for CARE, applying for LIHEAP on top gives you both a monthly bill discount and annual crisis assistance.
GoGreen Financing: State-Backed Loans When Rebates Are Unavailable
GoGreen Financing is the official state-backed home energy loan programme for California homeowners and renters. It connects you with participating lenders offering below-market rates with no home equity required, no property lien, and no down payment. Loan amounts run from $200 to $50,000 with terms up to 15 years.
Current lender APRs range from approximately 3.24% to 10% depending on your credit profile and the lender you choose. A loan calculator on the GoGreen website lets you estimate monthly payments before you commit.
For eligible households in underserved California communities, a separate 0% interest heat pump financing promotion is currently available. Check eligibility at gogreenfinancing.com/heat-pump-promotion.
Up to 30% of your loan can go toward non-energy home improvements such as landscaping, painting, or flooring, as long as at least 70% covers qualifying energy measures.
Renters are eligible alongside homeowners. Eligible projects include smart thermostats, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, solar and battery storage, EV charging, windows, cool roofs, and appliances. For smaller projects, PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, and SoCalGas customers can finance appliance purchases from $200 to $5,000 online without needing a contractor.
Start at gogreenfinancing.com or through energyupgradeca.org.
For free one-on-one guidance on which rebates you qualify for and how to combine them, call Energy Upgrade California at 1-866-858-7431.
Smart Thermostat Rebates in California
Smart thermostats are one of the most accessible upgrades available to California homeowners right now. They qualify for utility rebates independently of the stalled statewide programmes, pay for themselves quickly through energy savings, and for California homeowners on Time-of-Use rate plans they unlock a savings strategy that no other single device can match.
Pre-cooling your home before 4pm using cheaper off-peak electricity and coasting through the expensive peak window can reduce HVAC costs by 15 to 20% on its own, on top of whatever rebate you receive. That is savings you start capturing from day one.
Active California utility smart thermostat rebates:
| Utility | Rebate | How to Claim |
|---|---|---|
| LADWP | Up to $75 instant rebate | Efficient Product Marketplace at ladwp.com |
| SCE | $75 bill credit | Enrol in demand response programme |
| Golden State Rebates (PG&E SCE SDG&E SoCalGas) | Varies by model | Instant coupon at goldenstaterebates.com |
Always check the approved product list for your specific utility before purchasing. Buying a non-qualifying model is the most common reason California homeowners miss thermostat rebates.
Four thermostats worth considering for California homes:
ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium — Best for heat pump systems and homes on Time-of-Use rates. Supports multi-stage and variable speed systems natively, has a built-in room sensor, and works with demand response programmes across all major California utilities. If you are upgrading to a high-efficiency heat pump under the LADWP or SMUD rebate programme, this is the thermostat designed to get the most out of that system. No subscription needed for core features. Check the latest price on Amazon
Google Nest Learning Thermostat — Best for hands-off automation. Learns your schedule automatically and works well with PG&E and SCE demand response programmes. Accepted by major California utility rebate programmes. No subscription for core features. Check the latest price on Amazon
Honeywell Home T9 — Best for larger California homes with uneven temperatures between rooms. Wireless room sensors prioritise comfort where people actually are. Accepted by most major California utility rebate programmes. Check the latest price on Amazon
Amazon Smart Thermostat — Most affordable qualifying option. ENERGY STAR certified, Alexa built-in, and accepted by most California utility rebate programmes including Golden State Rebates. If you want rebate eligibility without spending more than necessary, nothing else at this price comes close. Check the latest price on Amazon
For our full thermostat comparison: Best Smart Thermostats for Home 2026
For US utility thermostat rebates in detail: Your Energy Company Could Pay You to Upgrade Your Thermostat
Real-World Savings Examples
Here is what stacking looks like in practice for three different California homeowners right now.
Los Angeles homeowner, LADWP customer, no income restriction:
| Programme | What It Covers | Value |
|---|---|---|
| LADWP ductless mini-split rebate | 3-ton system at 20.5 SEER2 | $7,500 |
| LADWP heat pump water heater | 56-gallon unit at 3.5 UEF | $2,100 |
| LADWP smart thermostat | ecobee via Efficient Product Marketplace | $75 |
| HEEHRA waitlist | Heat pump when Phase II opens | Up to $8,000 |
| Active savings right now | $9,675 |
Sacramento homeowner, SMUD customer, gas-to-electric conversion:
| Programme | What It Covers | Value |
|---|---|---|
| SMUD variable-stage heat pump HVAC | Gas to electric conversion | $3,000 |
| SMUD Go Electric panel upgrade bonus | Electrical panel | $2,000 |
| HEEHRA waitlist | Heat pump when Phase II opens | Up to $8,000 |
| Active savings right now | $5,000 |
San Jose homeowner, PG&E customer, income-qualifying household:
| Programme | What It Covers | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Golden State Rebates | Smart thermostat | Instant rebate |
| PG&E Energy Savings Assistance | Free HVAC upgrade if eligible | Free |
| LIHEAP | Annual bill assistance | Up to $1,500 |
| CARE | Monthly electricity bill | 30 to 35% off every month |
| HEEHRA waitlist | Heat pump when Phase II opens | Up to $8,000 |
| Immediate bill impact | 35% off monthly bills plus up to $1,500 |
Stacking What Is Still Available
With HEEHRA, TECH Clean California, and California Energy Smart Homes all closed or waitlisted, stacking depends heavily on which utility serves your home.
In practice, most households can combine two or more active programmes. The firm rules are that combined rebates cannot exceed your total project cost, and as of July 15, 2025, a project cannot receive both a TECH Clean California incentive and a HEEHRA rebate.
⚠️ Always declare existing rebates when applying for additional programmes. Programme administrators cross-check applications and undisclosed stacking can void your claim.
Common Mistakes That Cost California Homeowners Money
Installing equipment before checking current programme status. Multiple homeowners installed heat pumps in early 2026 expecting TECH Clean California or HEEHRA rebates that had already been fully reserved. Always check current status at techcleanca.com and energy.ca.gov before any work begins.
Assuming your contractor knows the current rebate rules. Some contractors are still quoting savings based on programmes that are closed. Ask any contractor to confirm the current programme status in writing before you sign anything.
Buying a thermostat without checking the approved product list. LADWP’s Efficient Product Marketplace and Golden State Rebates both have specific qualifying model lists. An older or non-qualifying model will not be accepted even if it is ENERGY STAR certified.
Not joining the HEEHRA waitlist. It costs nothing and positions you for first access to Phase II funding. Contact a TECH certified contractor at techcleanca.com to join.
Missing the refrigerant requirement. As of January 2026, heat pump systems must use refrigerants with a global warming potential of 700 or lower. R-410A is no longer eligible. Confirm refrigerant compliance before any purchase.
Not applying for CARE or FERA. Millions of qualifying California households are not enrolled. A 30% reduction on your monthly electricity bill every month adds up to hundreds of dollars per year with no installation required. Apply through your utility provider in minutes.
Missing the LADWP application deadline. All LADWP CRP applications must be postmarked within 12 months of purchase. A final approved building and safety permit is required for heat pump installations. Missing either means no rebate regardless of equipment quality.
Your Action Plan
You are an LADWP customer considering a heat pump:
LADWP’s Consumer Rebate Programme is currently the most valuable active single heat pump rebate in Southern California. Contact an LADWP-approved contractor, confirm your system qualifies at the efficiency tier you want, and also join the HEEHRA waitlist through a TECH Clean California certified contractor at the same time. Before finalising your system choice, confirm your new heat pump is compatible with a smart thermostat that supports variable-speed operation so you capture the full efficiency benefit.
You are a SMUD customer:
SMUD’s active rebates of up to $3,000 for gas-to-electric heat pump HVAC plus a $2,000 panel upgrade bonus are among the strongest accessible incentives in Northern California. Use a SMUD Contractor Network member and join the HEEHRA waitlist alongside.
You are a PG&E, SCE, or SDG&E customer:
Check Golden State Rebates at goldenstaterebates.com for current instant rebates on thermostats and heat pump water heaters. If your income qualifies, contact your utility about the Energy Savings Assistance Programme for potential no-cost upgrades. Consider GoGreen Financing for larger projects. Join the HEEHRA waitlist. Call Energy Upgrade California on 1-866-858-7431 for free guidance.
You are income-qualifying and struggling with bills right now:
Apply for CARE through your utility today. It takes ten minutes and cuts your electricity bill by 30 to 35% every month with no installation required. Apply for LIHEAP for direct bill assistance up to $1,500 per year. Both can run simultaneously.
You want to reduce bills immediately without a lengthy process:
A smart thermostat is your fastest move. Check the LADWP Efficient Product Marketplace or Golden State Rebates for qualifying models, buy a qualifying model, install it, and claim your rebate. For Time-of-Use customers the pre-cooling strategy alone can cut peak period HVAC costs by 15 to 20%. Full guide: Is a Smart Thermostat Worth It in 2026?
You are planning a heat pump installation and can wait:
Join the HEEHRA waitlist now through a TECH certified contractor at techcleanca.com. Check energy.ca.gov regularly for HOMES launch announcements. When either opens, waitlisted projects get priority.
Key Takeaways
The headline programmes are closed or waitlisted for single-family homes as of May 2026. HEEHRA single-family rebates are fully reserved. TECH Clean California single-family HVAC incentives are fully reserved. California Energy Smart Homes 2026 funding is fully subscribed.
Federal tax credits expired December 31, 2025. Both 25C and 25D are gone for new work in 2026, confirmed by the IRS directly.
LADWP offers the strongest active rebates in Southern California. Up to $2,500 per ton for high-efficiency ductless systems and up to $2,500 per unit for heat pump water heaters with no income restriction.
SMUD offers up to $3,000 for gas-to-electric variable-stage heat pump HVAC plus a $2,000 panel upgrade bonus for Sacramento-area homeowners.
The HEEHRA waitlist is worth joining now. Phase II has $152 million allocated and waitlisted projects get first access when it opens.
HOMES has $291 million allocated and has not yet launched for California single-family homes. When it does, income-qualifying households can receive up to $8,000 for whole-house energy savings.
CARE and FERA are immediate and free to apply for. Millions of qualifying households are not enrolled. A 30% monthly bill reduction requires no installation and no contractor.
A smart thermostat is the fastest upgrade available right now. It qualifies for utility rebates, unlocks Time-of-Use savings strategies, and makes every other home energy upgrade work harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are California energy rebates still available in 2026?
Yes but the situation is more complex than most articles describe. The major statewide programmes including HEEHRA single-family rebates, TECH Clean California single-family incentives, and California Energy Smart Homes have all closed for 2026. Utility rebates from LADWP, SMUD, and through Golden State Rebates are still active.
What happened to the TECH Clean California rebates?
TECH Clean California single-family HVAC incentives were fully reserved statewide by early 2026 due to extremely high demand. The programme is not currently accepting new single-family reservations for HEEHRA rebates.
Can I still get the federal 25C tax credit in California?
No. Section 25C expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, confirmed directly by the IRS. No federal tax credit is available for new heat pump or insulation installations in 2026.
What is the HEEHRA waitlist and should I join it?
The waitlist holds reservation requests submitted after the programme filled up. Waitlisted projects are eligible for rebates if Phase II funding becomes available. It costs nothing to join and gives you priority access. Contact a TECH Clean California certified contractor at techcleanca.com.
Is the LADWP heat pump rebate still active?
Yes. LADWP’s Consumer Rebate Programme is active and offering rebates of $1,000 to $2,500 per ton depending on system type and efficiency rating, with no income restriction.
What is CARE and do I qualify?
CARE cuts electricity bills by 30 to 35% for income-qualifying households. For a household of four the income limit is $64,300 per year for the current programme year. You also qualify automatically if your household receives CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI, or several other programmes. Apply through your utility provider.
What is FERA?
FERA provides an 18% discount on monthly electricity bills for households of three or more people whose income is just above the CARE limit. For a household of four the income range is $64,301 to $80,375 per year.
Can I get LIHEAP in California?
Yes. California’s LIHEAP programme provides $94 to $1,500 for heating and $283 to $932 for cooling annually, with crisis assistance up to $1,500. Apply through your county Community Services Department or call 1-866-674-6327.
What smart thermostat qualifies for California utility rebates?
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, Google Nest Learning Thermostat, Honeywell Home T9, and Amazon Smart Thermostat all qualify for most California utility programmes. Always check the specific approved product list for your utility before purchasing.
Which thermostat works best with a heat pump?
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is the strongest option for heat pump systems. It supports multi-stage and variable-speed operation natively, which is essential for getting the full efficiency benefit from a modern high-efficiency heat pump. See our full guide: Best Smart Thermostats for Home 2026
When will HOMES launch in California?
HOMES has approximately $291 million allocated for California but had not launched for single-family homes as of May 2026. No confirmed launch date. Check energy.ca.gov for updates.
What is the refrigerant GWP requirement for 2026?
As of January 1, 2026, heat pump HVAC systems must use refrigerants with a global warming potential of 700 or lower to qualify for California rebate programmes. R-410A systems are no longer eligible.
Can landlords access these programmes?
HEEHRA allows homeowners who rent to income-qualifying tenants to access rebates. LADWP and SMUD utility rebates are available to account holders. New construction and ADUs are excluded from LADWP’s Consumer Rebate Programme.
What is GoGreen Financing and is it worth it?
GoGreen is the state-backed home energy loan programme with APRs from 3.24% to 10%, no home equity required, no property lien, and terms up to 15 years. A separate 0% interest promotion is available for eligible households in underserved communities. Start at gogreenfinancing.com.
How do I find a TECH Clean California certified contractor?
Visit techcleanca.com and use the contractor finder. Only TECH-certified contractors can process HEEHRA rebates and waitlist applications.
What is the Switch Is On and how do I use it?
The Switch Is On at incentives.switchison.org is a CPUC-partnered tool that shows all available incentives for your specific California address. Enter your zip code for every active rebate linked to your location.
Related Reading
- US Home Energy Grants and Rebates 2026
- Your Energy Company Could Pay You to Upgrade Your Thermostat
- Is a Smart Thermostat Worth It in 2026?
Sources
- California Energy Commission, IRA Residential Energy Rebate Programmes: energy.ca.gov
- TECH Clean California, HEEHRA Rebates and Programme News: techcleanca.com
- QuitCarbon, California Energy Smart Homes April 2026 Update: quitcarbon.com
- LADWP, Consumer Rebate Programme and Application Form: ladwp.com/crp
- LADWP, Efficient Product Marketplace: ladwp.com/epm
- LADWP, Smart Thermostat Newsletter October 2025: ladwp.com
- SMUD, Heating and Cooling Rebates: smud.org/rebates
- California Public Utilities Commission, CARE and FERA Programme: cpuc.ca.gov
- LIHEAP Clearinghouse, California Profile: liheapch.acf.gov/profiles/California.htm
- GoGreen Financing: gogreenfinancing.com
- Energy Upgrade California: energyupgradeca.org
- Golden State Rebates: goldenstaterebates.com
- Switch Is On, California Incentive Finder: incentives.switchison.org
- US Department of Energy, WAP Funding Announcement July 2025: energy.gov
- IRS, FAQs for Modification of Sections 25C and 25D under OBBBA: irs.gov
- EnergyHelp.us: energyhelp.us
Reviewed by The Thermo Expert Team
The Thermo Expert Team researches and compares smart thermostats, heating systems, and common HVAC issues to provide clear, practical advice for homeowners. Our goal is to help you understand problems quickly and choose the right solution with confidence. Learn more about us →
