Did you know you that San Diego Gas & Electric will pay you to make your home more energy efficient? SDGE Rebate Programs can reimburse you for energy upgrades, including approved washers, room air conditioners, water heaters, furnaces, insulation, and more!
What SDGE Rebate Programs are available?
As of October 2019, I found four SDGE rebate programs that are currently active. These rebate programs change often, so check with SDGE to confirm availability:
- Instant In-Store Rebates
- Home Energy Efficiency Rebate Portal
- SDGE Marketplace
- Advanced Home Upgrade Program
Instant In-Store Rebates
One of the easiest programs to use is SDGE’s Instant In-Store Rebates. On SDGE’s Instant In-Store Rebates website, you’ll find store and product lists. You can go into a participating store and receive the rebate immediately. Examples of rebates include:
- Clothes washers – $25
- Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters – $350
- Gas Water Heaters – $100
- Smart Thermostats – $75 (Instant coupon available here)
SDGE Home Energy Efficiency Rebate Portal
Some products that aren’t eligible for instant rebates. For these items, you can buy first, then go to the Rebate Portal and apply for rebates. Examples of eligible items are smart thermostats, clothes washers, and water heaters.
You can also read answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the SDGE Residential Rebates Program.
SDGE Marketplace
SDGE has another website, SDGE Marketplace, where you can find rebate-eligible products and apply for money back. You can also browse products and compare prices.
The Marketplace also features energy efficient appliances that aren’t part of a rebate program.
Advanced Home Upgrade Program
SDG&E’s Advanced Home Upgrade Program is the most generous by far. It is designed to help homeowners improve their home’s energy efficiency. This program offers rebates up to $5,500. This program covers HVAC systems, attic sealing and insulation (read my article about why attic sealing and insulation are so important), windows, and duct sealing.
In order to apply to the Advanced Home Upgrade Program, you need to contact a participating contractor directly, who will help determine your eligibility.
Other SDGE Programs
There are several SDGE programs that don’t offer rebates. These programs either award credits, grant system installations, or reduce utility bills:
- AC Summer Saver Program
- Residential Direct Install Program
- Mobile Home Program
- Financial Assistance
AC Summer Saver Program
The AC Summer Saver Program awards you credits on your bill when you reduce your air conditioning use.
After you sign up for the program, SDGE installs a device on your central air conditioning system. Then, on certain hot days, SDGE activates the device to cycle your system on and off for a period of two to four hours. The maximum activations will be 80 hours per year. The program runs from April through October of each year.
Solar customers are not eligible for the AC Summer Saver Program. Go to the AC Summer Saver Program website for more information, or call (800) 850-1705.
Residential Direct Install Program
SDGE customers with limited incomes may qualify for no-cost energy efficiency improvements. These upgrades include:
- Water-savings measures
- Programmable smart thermostat
- Duct sealing
- AC maintenance
Go to the Residential Direct Install Program website for more information. In addition, you can complete the Program Interest Form online.
Mobile Home Program
SDGE offers energy upgrades for mobile homes through their Mobile Home Program. This program can provide the following upgrades:
- Smart Programmable Thermostats
- Low Flow Showerheads
- Faucet Aerators
- Natural Gas Furnace Upgrades
- Tankless Water Heaters
- LED Lighting for Common Areas
For more information go to the Mobile Home Program website. You can also call SDGE’s authorized contractor, Synergy Companies, at (888) 272-8394.
Financial Assistance
SDGE Financial Assistance Programs can help both homeowners and renters. You can check your eligibility for an Energy Bill Discount, and also for FREE energy-efficient home improvements. In addition, eligibility is based on your household size and yearly income or by household participation in certain public assistance programs.
- With the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program you’ll receive at least a 30% discount on your bill every month. Under this program you’ll also receive a lower rate for your electricity use.
- On the other hand, if you aren’t eligible for CARE, the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) Program offers an 18% discount on your bill every month. The FERA Program is for households of at least 3 people. Finally, your total household income must be within the income range listed for the FERA Programs.
What’s Next?
Energy efficient improvements can lower your utility bills, improve air quality, and above all, make a more comfortable home. These SDGE rebate programs come and go, so be sure to use them while they’re still available.
Finally, if you have any questions, call or text me at (760) 637-7231 or send me a message.
