Water heater rebates in California depend on which utility sends your bill and which kind of heater you buy. DuloCore checked the official pages of eight utilities and three statewide programs on October 13, 2026.
Which California Utilities Offer Water Heater Rebates in 2026?
As of October 13, 2026, five utilities state a water heater rebate on their official pages: SoCalGas, LADWP, SMUD, Riverside Public Utilities and Anaheim Public Utilities. PG&E and SDG&E list none of their own, and SCE's rebates page states no amount.
| Utility | Gas storage | Gas tankless | Heat pump (electric) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoCalGas | $300-$575 | $80-$1,500 | None listed |
| LADWP | None listed | None listed | Up to $2,500 per unit |
| SMUD | None listed | None listed | Up to $4,000 |
| PG&E | None listed | None listed | None listed |
| SCE | None listed | None listed | No amount on SCE's rebates page; it points to Home Performance Plus, for homes in Disadvantaged or Low-Income communities |
| SDG&E | None listed | None listed | Golden State Rebates coupons have ended |
| Riverside Public Utilities | None listed | None listed | $200 |
| Anaheim Public Utilities | None listed | None listed | $400 |
Each row is what the utility's own rebate page stated that day. "None listed" means the page showed no rebate of the utility's own for that heater type; SCE's page also describes Golden State Rebates coupons, and that program's retail offerings have ended. Riverside's Energy Star product rebate page lists its $200 for an Energy Star rated electric heat pump water heater, and also $50 for a high-efficiency electric water heater with an energy factor of 0.96 or greater. Anaheim's amount is on its home appliance incentives page and requires an ENERGY STAR certified unit.
Are There Natural Gas Water Heater Rebates in California?
Yes, from SoCalGas. Its 2026 rebate table lists $300 to $575 for storage water heaters and $80 to $1,500 for tankless models.
The SoCalGas Rebates & Incentives page sets conditions for each type:
- Storage. A Uniform Energy Factor (UEF, the standard efficiency rating) of at least 0.64, 55 gallons or less, and not purchased from a statewide participating retailer.
- Tankless. The new unit must replace a tank-type unit in a single-family detached home.
DuloCore's SoCalGas water heater page and tankless rebate page cover the rules.
Which Utilities Pay for a Heat Pump Water Heater?
Four do. LADWP states up to $2,500 per unit, SMUD up to $4,000, Anaheim Public Utilities $400 and Riverside Public Utilities $200.
A heat pump water heater is an electric tank that moves heat from the surrounding air into the water. LADWP's Consumer Rebate Program page bases its amount on gallon capacity and UEF. SMUD's amount is on its Rebates for my home page, which asks for a NEEA Tier III or IV unit with a UEF of 2.87 or higher. The tiers and equipment rules for both are on DuloCore's heat pump water heater rebate page.
Do PG&E, SCE and SDG&E Have a Water Heater Rebate?
PG&E and SDG&E listed no water heater rebate of their own on October 13, 2026, and SCE's rebates page stated no amount. All three supported a statewide coupon program that has ended.
- PG&E. Its Rebates & Incentives page does not mention water heaters.
- SCE. Its Rebates & SCE Marketplace page states no dollar amount for a water heater. It points to Home Performance Plus, a program for homes in Disadvantaged or Low-Income communities. It still describes Golden State Rebates coupons for electric heat pump and gas water heaters, although that program's retail offerings have ended.
- SDG&E. Its rebates page opens with a notice that the Golden State Rebates Program's retail rebate offerings have ended. The page still shows a product table with $500 for a heat pump water heater replacing an electric water heater, so do not count on it.
Are the Statewide Water Heater Rebates Still Open?
No. On October 13, 2026, the statewide incentives for a single-family heat pump water heater were fully reserved or had ended.
- TECH Clean California (fully reserved). Its incentives page says single-family heat pump water heater incentives are fully reserved and have not accepted new reservations since November 14, 2025.
- HEEHRA (fully reserved for single-family homes). The California Energy Commission's residential rebate page says HEEHRA single-family rebates are fully reserved statewide as of February 24, 2026, and describes them as rebates for heat pump heating and cooling systems. Multifamily HEEHRA rebates, which did cover heat pump water heaters, are fully reserved as of September 1, 2026, per the TECH Clean California incentives page linked above, although the Energy Commission page still described them as available statewide that day.
- Golden State Rebates (ended). SDG&E, which awarded the program's contract, says the Golden State Rebates retail offerings have ended.
Can I Get a Free Water Heater Replacement in California?
Possibly, if your household is income-qualified. SCE, PG&E and SoCalGas each name water heaters in their no-cost Energy Savings Assistance programs.
- SCE. Its Energy Savings Assistance page lists heat pump water heater replacement among free upgrades for owners and renters.
- PG&E. Its program page names heat pump water heaters. Repair or replacement may also be available to eligible homeowners when an existing natural gas unit is inoperable or unsafe.
- SoCalGas. Its program page lists a tankless water heater, for eligible homeowners whose existing natural gas unit is deemed inoperable or hazardous.
The California Department of Community Services and Development says weatherization for low-income households can include repairing or replacing water heaters. The eligibility check asks a few questions to match rebates to a household's situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a SoCalGas water heater rebate take?
SoCalGas says payment arrives within six to eight weeks once all requirements are met. Funds are first-come, first-served until December 31, 2026, or until they run out.
Is there a deadline to apply after buying?
It varies. LADWP requires applications postmarked within 12 months of the purchase date. Riverside Public Utilities requires them within 90 days of purchase.
How do I check water heater rebates for my ZIP code?
Enter your ZIP code in the rebate calculator and choose Water Heater as the project type. It estimates the savings for that project.
Replacing a water heater? Check the rebates for your ZIP code with the free rebate calculator.