Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rebate offers and eligibility can change, so always verify details directly with your utility provider before purchasing
Energy company rebate smart thermostat programmes are helping homeowners save hundreds of dollars on heating and cooling upgrades in 2026. Some households can even get smart thermostats completely free through utility rebates and energy efficiency schemes.
Most people have no idea their energy company might actually pay them to upgrade their thermostat.
Some rebates are worth $50. Some are worth $100. In some cases, the thermostat is completely free.
In some cases you actually make money.
Most people never claim a penny of it. Not because they are not eligible. Not because the process is complicated. Simply because nobody told them it existed.
This guide fixes that.
Start here if you are in a hurry
- Go to EnergyStar finder, enter your zip code, and see exactly what you qualify for in 30 seconds. No sign up required.
- UK readers: go to the UK Government website and search for ECO4 eligibility.
How Much Can You Actually Get From Energy Company Rebate Smart Thermostat Programmes?
Many energy providers offer rebates of $50 to $100 or more for purchasing and installing an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat. Some programmes offer up to 50% off. In certain areas you can get one with no upfront cost at all.
| Programme | Amount | Where |
|---|---|---|
| AEP Ohio | $100 | Ohio, US |
| Mass Save | Up to $100 | Massachusetts, US |
| Shrewsbury Electric | 50% off, up to $100 | Massachusetts, US |
| Pacific Gas and Electric | $75 to $100 | California, US |
| TVA EnergyRight | $100 enrolment rebate | Seven state southern US region |
| Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant | $25 to $100 | Massachusetts, US |
| PECO | $50 | Pennsylvania, US |
| Focus on Energy | $50 | Wisconsin, US |
| DCSEU | $50 | Washington DC, US |
| National Grid | $50 | Northeast US |
| Mansfield Municipal Electric | $50 | Massachusetts, US |
| SRP Bring Your Own Thermostat (BYOT) Programme | $50 plus $25 per year | Arizona, US |
| City of Red Deer | $50 | Alberta, Canada |
| CenterPoint Energy | No cost thermostat | Indiana, US |
| ECO4 Scheme | Free installation | UK (ends Dec 2026) |
Check your local utility before purchasing. Some rebates require purchase by December 31 2026 or until funds run out, whichever comes first.
Why Do Energy Companies Pay You?
Energy companies struggle during peak demand periods. Those sweltering summer afternoons and freezing winter mornings when everyone cranks their heating or cooling at once. Managing those peaks costs billions.
A smart thermostat helps. With your permission, your energy company can make tiny automatic adjustments during peak periods, reducing the strain on the grid. You barely notice. They save millions.
That is why they pay you. It is not charity. It is a very good deal for both sides.
According to ENERGY STAR, certified smart thermostats save an average of 8% on heating and cooling bills, around $50 per year for a typical household. Utilities win. You win.
💡 Did you know? Some utilities do not advertise their rebate programmes at all. They have the money set aside but rely on customers to find it themselves. Which is exactly why most people never claim it.
Which Thermostats Qualify?
To be eligible the thermostat must be ENERGY STAR certified and often purchased through a specific retailer or the utility’s own marketplace.
| Brand | Model | Qualifies for most rebates? |
|---|---|---|
| Google Nest | Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) | Yes |
| Google Nest | Nest Thermostat (standard) | Yes |
| ecobee | Smart Thermostat Premium | Yes |
| ecobee | Smart Thermostat Essential | Yes |
| Amazon | Amazon Smart Thermostat | Yes |
| Honeywell Home | T9 Smart Thermostat | Yes |
💡 Pro tip: Always check the qualified product list on your specific utility’s website before purchasing. Some programmes have specific model requirements that differ from the general ENERGY STAR list. Five minutes of checking now could save a rejected rebate application later.
Check the latest price of the Google Nest Learning Thermostat on Amazon
Check the latest price of the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium on Amazon
Can You Really Get One for Free?
Yes. In some cases literally free. In some cases you make money.
Real Rebate Example Available Right Now (Maryland)
Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) customers in Maryland can currently claim a $100 mail-in rebate on qualifying smart thermostats purchased before December 30, 2026.
To qualify:
- The rebate must be claimed within 30 days of purchase
- The thermostat must be installed within the BGE service area
- Installation must be completed by an approved contractor
- The system must control electric or gas heating and/or central air conditioning
- Proof of purchase and a photo of the installed thermostat are required
BGE is also currently offering a limited-time $100 gift card for eligible online rebate applications.
That means some homeowners could effectively get a smart thermostat for little to nothing after rebates and incentives.
Amazon Smart Thermostat ($61.99) plus $100 rebate You pay $61.99 upfront. You receive $100 back. Net profit: $38.01
Amazon Smart Thermostat on sale ($45) plus $50 rebate You pay $45. You receive $50 back. Net cost: minus $5
Check the latest price of the Amazon Smart Thermostat on Amazon
CenterPoint Energy (Indiana) Eligible customers receive a smart thermostat at checkout with no upfront payment at all.
UK ECO4 eligible households Eligible households receive free smart thermostat installation as part of a broader energy upgrade package.
Not every utility offers 100% coverage. But many come very close. And some go beyond it.
How to Find Rebates in Your Area
Step 1: Use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder Go to energystar.gov/rebate-finder and enter your zip code. Shows every available rebate near you in seconds. No sign up required.
Step 2: Check DSIRE The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency at dsireusa.org covers programmes not listed anywhere else, including smaller regional utilities that run their own independent schemes. Go to dsireusa.org, search for smart thermostat, and filter by your state. Each listing includes the rebate amount, eligibility requirements, and a direct link to the application.
💡 Pro tip: DSIRE is updated regularly and often contains programmes that even the utilities themselves have not listed on their own websites. It is the single most comprehensive source available and almost nobody knows it exists.
Step 3: Check Your Utility’s Website Directly Search for rebates, energy efficiency, or smart thermostat on your provider’s site. Some programmes only appear there and not in national databases.
If you cannot find anything, call the number on your energy bill and ask:
- “Do you offer rebates for smart thermostats?”
- “What are the eligibility requirements?”
- “How do I claim the rebate?”
Step 4: Check Your Utility’s Online Marketplace Some providers have their own online store where rebates are applied instantly at checkout. No forms. No waiting.
- Mass Save: Up to $100 off applied instantly at participating retailers
- CenterPoint Energy (Indiana): No cost thermostat for eligible customers applied automatically at checkout
Current Rebate Programmes: Active in 2026
Here are verified active programmes. Real money available right now.
| Programme | Location | Rebate Amount | Notes | Where to Claim |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEP Ohio | Ohio, US | $100 | Open to all residential customers | aepohio.com |
| Mass Save | Massachusetts, US | Up to $100 | Covers Eversource, National Grid, Liberty Utilities, Berkshire Gas, Cape Light Compact, and Unitil. Up to three rebates per account every three years. Instant in store discounts available. | masssave.com |
| Shrewsbury Electric | Massachusetts, US | 50% off, up to $100 | Half the cost back on any ENERGY STAR certified model | shrewsburyelectric.com |
| TVA EnergyRight | Seven state southern US region | $100 plus annual credits | $100 enrolment rebate plus ongoing annual rebates for staying enrolled | energyright.com |
| Pacific Gas and Electric | California, US | $75 to $100 | Nest, ecobee, and other ENERGY STAR models qualify. Instant discounts through PG&E marketplace. | pge.com |
| PECO | Pennsylvania, US | $50 | Open to all PECO residential customers | peco.com |
| Focus on Energy | Wisconsin, US | $50 | Any retailer from January 1 2026. Instant discounts available online. | focusonenergy.com |
| DCSEU | Washington DC, US | $50 | Must be purchased new. Proof of purchase and activation required. | dcseu.com |
| SRP Bring Your Own Thermostat (BYOT) | Arizona, US | $50 plus $25 per year | $175 back over five years on top of energy savings | srpnet.com |
| National Grid | Northeast US | $50 | Online rebate form | nationalgridus.com |
| Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant | Massachusetts, US | $25 to $100 | Mail in rebate form. Amount varies by model. | tauntonlight.com |
| Mansfield Municipal Electric | Massachusetts, US | $50 | Online application | mansfieldma.com |
| City of Red Deer | Alberta, Canada | $50 | Open until December 31 2026 or until funds run out | reddeer.ca |
Not listed here? Many utilities run their own programmes not in national databases. Check your utility’s website directly or use DSIRE.
💡 Did you know? Rebate budgets are finite and run on a first come first served basis. Some programmes close months before their official end date simply because the money ran out. The sooner you claim the better your chances of getting the full amount.
UK Support: What Is Available Right Now
ECO4 Scheme (Ends December 2026)
Under ECO4, eligible UK households can receive free smart thermostat installations as part of a broader package including boiler replacements, insulation, and renewable heating solutions.
Free. The entire cost covered.
⚠️ Deadline Alert: UK Readers
The ECO4 scheme ends on 31 December 2026. No successor scheme has been confirmed. If you think you might qualify, check now at gov.uk Do not wait.
To be eligible you must be:
- A homeowner or private tenant with landlord approval
- Receiving qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or Income Support
- Living in a property with an EPC rating of E, F, or G
- In a home with an old or inefficient heating system
How to claim: Check eligibility at gov.uk, contact your energy supplier directly, or contact a TrustMark registered installer who will assess your property and apply for funding on your behalf.
Warm Homes Local Grant
For households that do not qualify for ECO4. Delivered through local councils and covering insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and in many areas smart heating controls including smart thermostats as part of a broader funded upgrade.
How to claim: Contact your local council directly or visit gov.uk and search for Warm Homes Local Grant.
0% VAT on Smart Thermostats
All UK homeowners benefit from 0% VAT on energy saving devices including smart thermostats. Applied automatically at the point of purchase. No application, no forms, no waiting.
How to Claim Your Rebate Step by Step
For Instant Rebates (Marketplace Purchase)
- Log into your utility’s online marketplace
- Select your qualifying thermostat
- Rebate applied automatically at checkout
- Pay the discounted price
- Done. No forms. No waiting.
For Mail In or Online Rebates
- Purchase a qualifying thermostat from any eligible retailer and keep your receipt
- Go to your utility’s rebate website
- Complete the online form or download and print the mail in form
- Upload or post your receipt and proof of installation or activation
- Receive a cheque or bill credit within four to eight weeks
Do not miss the deadline. Most utilities require submission within 60 to 90 days of purchase. Submit immediately after installation and set a reminder.
Do Not Forget Demand Response Programmes
Once your thermostat is installed, check whether your utility offers an ongoing demand response programme. These pay you every year on top of the upfront rebate.
You allow your energy company to make small automatic adjustments during peak demand periods, typically two to four degrees for no more than a few hours. You can opt out of any individual event at any time. In exchange you receive annual bill credits.
- SRP (Arizona): $25 per year per enrolled thermostat
- TVA EnergyRight: Annual rebate for staying enrolled
- Nest Rush Hour Rewards: Up to $100 annually depending on your utility
Over five years those annual credits add up to real money on top of the initial rebate and the ongoing energy savings.
💡 Pro tip: When you enrol in a demand response programme, set a calendar reminder for six months later to check your bill credits have been applied correctly. Some utilities require annual re-enrolment and the reminder means you never accidentally let the credits lapse.
The Numbers in Practice
Google Nest Learning Thermostat: $249
You are a Massachusetts customer of Eversource:
- Mass Save rebate → minus $100
- Nest Rush Hour Rewards → minus $100 per year
- 12% energy saving on a typical bill → minus $140 per year
Year one effective cost: $49
Every year after: $240 back
That is not a purchase. That is an investment.
💡 Did you know? The $240 annual return in the example above is based on conservative figures. Households in colder climates or with higher than average energy bills often see significantly higher returns in year one alone.
Why Most People Never Claim It
| Reason | The truth |
|---|---|
| I did not know it existed | The most common reason. Utilities do not always advertise loudly. Now you know. |
| It seems too complicated | Most applications take less than ten minutes. |
| I thought I missed the deadline | Some programmes have limited funding. Act before December 31 2026. |
| I assumed I do not qualify | Most programmes are open to all residential customers regardless of income. |
Do not let any of these stop you. The money is there. Go get it.
Key Takeaways
US homeowners → Start at energystar.gov/rebate-finder and dsireusa.org. Two minutes. Every rebate near you.
UK homeowners on benefits or with a poor EPC rating → Check ECO4 eligibility at gov.uk immediately. Closes December 31 2026. No successor scheme confirmed.
UK homeowners not on benefits → Check your local council for the Warm Homes Local Grant. You already benefit from 0% VAT automatically at point of purchase.
Everyone → Enrol in a demand response programme after installation. The annual credits are money you are leaving on the table if you do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find rebates in my area?
US: Energy Star or DSIRE. UK: gov.uk or contact your energy supplier directly.
Do I need to buy from a specific store?
Usually no. Most rebates apply to any retailer. Some utility marketplaces offer instant discounts at checkout which is faster and simpler than submitting a form afterwards.
How long does it take to receive the rebate?
Four to eight weeks by cheque or bill credit. Instant marketplace discounts are applied at checkout with no wait.
What is a demand response programme?
A programme where you allow small automatic thermostat adjustments during peak demand in exchange for annual bill credits. You can opt out of any individual event at any time and always maintain full control of your thermostat.
Can I stack a utility rebate with a manufacturer rebate?
Yes in most cases. One purchase can qualify for a manufacturer rebate, a utility rebate, and ongoing demand response credits simultaneously.
What if my utility is not listed here?
Check your utility’s website directly and search for rebates or energy efficiency. Use DSIRE which covers programmes not listed in national databases.
Do UK renters qualify for ECO4?
Yes, with landlord consent. Social housing tenants should contact their landlord directly about ECO4 improvements.
What if the rebate is more than the thermostat costs?
You keep the difference. The Amazon Smart Thermostat at $61.99 with a $100 rebate results in a net profit of $38.01. It genuinely happens.
Ready to Claim Yours?
Your energy company could pay you to upgrade your thermostat.
The rebate is real. The money is waiting.
Do not be most people.
Related Reading
- Best Smart Thermostats for Home (2026)
- Best Smart Thermostats Without Subscription Fees
- Do You Need a C Wire for a Smart Thermostat?
- Is a Smart Thermostat Worth It in 2026?
- Smart Thermostat Troubleshooting Guide
Sources
- ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder
- DSIRE
- TVA EnergyRight
- Mass Save
- Focus on Energy
- DCSEU
- SRP BYOT Programme
- Shrewsbury Electric
- Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant
- Mansfield Municipal Electric
- Pacific Gas and Electric
- National Grid
- AEP Ohio
- PECO
- City of Red Deer
- CenterPoint Energy
- UK Government ECO4 Scheme
- Warm Homes Plan 2026
- ECO4 Smart Thermostats
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 content is based on manufacturer documentation, real user experiences, and industry research to help you understand problems quickly and choose the right solution with confidence.