A Nest thermostat rebate in California depends on the electric utility, not on the brand. None of the four utility pages DuloCore checked on October 13, 2026 lists an offer written for Nest by name. Each one describes its offer for a smart thermostat in general, and the utility's own list decides which models count.
Can I Get a Rebate for a Nest Thermostat in California?
It depends on your utility. As of October 13, 2026, SCE lists a $75 bill credit and SMUD a $50 instant rebate for smart thermostats. PG&E lists none, and SDG&E's retail coupons have ended.
| Utility | Smart thermostat offer on its official page, October 13, 2026 |
|---|---|
| SCE | $75 bill credit for letting SCE adjust an eligible smart thermostat during demand response events, on the SCE rebates page |
| SMUD | $50 instant rebate, online only at the SMUD Energy Store, on the SMUD Rebates for My Home page |
| SDG&E | Retail coupons ended, per SDG&E's rebates page |
| PG&E | None listed on PG&E's rebates and incentives page |
None of these offers is tied to Nest by name. Before buying a Nest for a rebate, check that the model is on the utility's eligible list.
Can I Get a Rebate for My Nest Thermostat From SCE?
SCE's own offer is a $75 bill credit. You get it for letting SCE adjust an eligible smart thermostat by up to four degrees during demand response events.
A demand response event is a period when the utility asks customers to use less power. SCE's Smart Thermostat Incentives section says the credit is open to customers in three programs: the residential Capacity Bidding Program-Elect, Critical Peak Pricing, and the Smart Energy Program. The page doesn't list eligible thermostat models.
The Golden State Rebates coupons for smart thermostats that the same SCE page still describes have ended, according to SDG&E's rebates page, so don't count on a coupon.
DuloCore's SCE programs page lists the SCE programs verified on official pages.
Does PG&E Have a Nest Thermostat Rebate?
No. On October 13, 2026, PG&E's rebates and incentives page listed no rebate for any smart thermostat.
The PG&E rebates and incentives page lists these offers for homes:
- A $300 rebate toward a portable backup power system
- Up to $4,000 back on a used electric vehicle
- Up to $5,000 toward home EV charging equipment for income-eligible households
- Clean energy incentives
The word "thermostat" doesn't appear on the page. DuloCore's PG&E programs page covers the PG&E programs verified so far.
What Does SMUD Offer for a Smart Thermostat?
SMUD offers a $50 instant rebate on smart thermostats bought online at the SMUD Energy Store. SMUD says its thermostat rebates aren't available in stores.
SMUD's rebates page adds two more items:
- An additional incentive for joining SMUD's My Energy Optimizer program with a qualifying new smart thermostat. The page doesn't state the amount.
- A $30 rebate for each old mercury thermostat dropped off for safe disposal.
The SMUD smart thermostat rebate guide has the details.
What Happened to SDG&E's Thermostat Rebates?
Both have ended. SDG&E's rebates page says the Golden State Rebates retail offerings have ended, and its $25 thermostat incentive closed on December 31, 2023.
Below its notice that the Golden State Rebates retail offerings have ended, the product list on the SDG&E rebates page still shows $75 for an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat and $40 for an Amazon smart thermostat. SDG&E's thermostat incentive page says the $25 program closed to comply with a California Public Utilities Commission decision issued on December 20, 2023.
The San Diego smart thermostat guide covers what SDG&E customers can still get.
Is It Possible to Get a Free Smart Thermostat?
Yes, for income-qualified SCE customers. SCE's Energy Savings Assistance program lists a smart thermostat among the upgrades that owners and renters may receive for free.
SCE's Energy Savings Assistance page says an SCE-approved contractor collects information so SCE can determine which upgrades a household qualifies for. The page doesn't name a thermostat brand, so it doesn't promise a Nest.
The eligibility check shows which verified programs apply to a specific household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Home Depot give a Nest thermostat rebate?
DuloCore checks utility and government pages, not store promotions. The utility coupon program that worked at retailers, Golden State Rebates, has ended its retail offerings according to SDG&E's page.
Did the federal tax credit for smart thermostats end?
The federal 25C home energy credit ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Nothing installed in 2026 earns it.
How do I check thermostat rebates for my address?
Enter the address in the rebate calculator. Thermostat offers depend on the electric utility, so the answer changes from one city to the next.
Buying a smart thermostat? See the verified rebates for your address with the free rebate calculator.