The SCE smart thermostat rebate in 2026 is a $75 bill credit, and it comes with a condition. You have to let SCE adjust the thermostat during demand response events. Income-qualified customers may get a smart thermostat for free through a separate program. Both offers were checked on SCE's pages on October 13, 2026.
Does SCE Offer a Smart Thermostat Rebate in 2026?
Yes, as a bill credit. As of October 13, 2026, SCE offers $75 to customers who let it temporarily 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 describes the credit under Smart Thermostat Incentives on its rebates page. It is a credit on the bill, not money back on the purchase.
| SCE offer (official pages, October 13, 2026) | What SCE says | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Thermostat Incentives | Bill credit for allowing adjustments during demand response events | $75 |
| Energy Savings Assistance | Smart thermostat among the free upgrades for income-qualified households | No cost |
| Golden State Rebates | Described on SCE's page as instant coupons; SDG&E's page says the retail offerings have ended | See below |
Who Can Get the $75 Bill Credit?
SCE customers in one of three programs: the residential Capacity Bidding Program-Elect, Critical Peak Pricing, or the Smart Energy Program.
That list is on SCE's rebates page, linked above. The page says the thermostat must be an eligible smart thermostat. It doesn't list the eligible models, so check with SCE before buying one for the credit.
DuloCore's SCE programs page lists the SCE programs verified on official pages.
How Does the Thermostat Adjustment Work?
During a demand response event, SCE temporarily changes the thermostat setting by up to four degrees. That is the trade for the $75 credit.
SCE's Smart Thermostat Incentives section gives the four-degree limit and says the adjustment is temporary. The page doesn't say how many events happen in a year or how long each one lasts.
Can I Get a Free Smart Thermostat From SCE?
Yes, if your household qualifies for Energy Savings Assistance. SCE lists a smart thermostat among the upgrades that owners and renters may receive for free.
SCE's Energy Savings Assistance page explains how a household qualifies:
- By income. The page says its upper limit is 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Or by taking part in an eligible public assistance program. CalFresh, Medi-Cal and WIC are on the list.
An SCE-approved contractor then collects information so SCE can determine which upgrades the household qualifies for. The eligibility check shows which verified programs fit a specific household.
Have the Golden State Rebates Thermostat Coupons Ended?
SDG&E's rebates page says the Golden State Rebates retail offerings have ended. SCE's page still describes the program's instant coupons for smart thermostats.
The two utility pages disagree, so don't count on a coupon. SDG&E awarded the contract for the program, and the notice is at the top of the SDG&E rebates page. The product list on that page showed $75 for an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat and $40 for an Amazon smart thermostat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SCE give a rebate for a Nest thermostat?
SCE's page doesn't name any brand. The bill credit is for an eligible smart thermostat, so ask SCE whether a given model is on its list.
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.
The IRS confirms that the credit ended in Fact Sheet FS-2025-05.
How do I check every thermostat offer for my address?
Enter the address in the rebate calculator. It shows the programs DuloCore has verified for that address.
Buying a smart thermostat? See the verified rebates for your address with the free rebate calculator.